Arsenal Transfers: Leandro Trossard identified as Mykhaylo Mudryk alternative

Arsenal’s attentions have turned to wantaway Brighton winger Leandro Trossard after missing out on priority target Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The Gunners were dealt a big transfer blow at the weekend when it was revealed that Mudryk would be joining Chelsea in a deal potentially worth €100m. While Arsenal matched the Blues’ offer, Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin revealed that the structuring of bonuses is what tilted the deal in Chelsea’s favour.

The west London club moved quickly to wrap up the move and the 22-year-old was presented at Stamford Bridge on Sunday during Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Leandro Trossard identified as Mykhaylo Mudryk alternative

Mudryk’s move forced Edu Gaspar to seek out ‘Plan B’. Arsenal have had success in the past in identifying alternative options to top targets, and the club will be hoping that Brighton’s Trossard continues that trend.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the Gunners have opened talks with Brighton to sign the Belgian international this month, with Trossard already agreeing personal terms with the Premier League leaders.

Wrapping up a deal should be pretty straightforward given the player’s situation on the south coast. The 28-year-old has been exiled by manager Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton are thus happy to part ways with the forward in January. However, Arsenal are yet to strike an agreement with the Seagulls.

While Trossard perhaps isn’t the star name that many Gooners were hoping for, this is a potential signing that shouldn’t be scoffed at. The Belgian has developed considerably over the past couple of years and had started to emerge as a bit of a star on the south coast before the World Cup. The Belgian has scored big goals against the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool – including a hat-trick at Anfield – and would certainly be an upgrade on Mikel Arteta’s current bench options in attack.