Trossard who joined the Gunners from Brighton is expected to be available for Arsenal’s league game against Manchester United on Sunday at Emirates
By Kehinde Okeowo
Premier League leaders, Arsenal, have completed the signing of Brighton forward, Leandro Trossard, for a fee of £27m.
The 28-year-old signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the option for a further year.
The Gunners, who have gathered 47 points from 18 matches in the league this season, are paying an initial £20m up front with a further £7m coming in add-ons.
A statement from the north London club said they have submitted all registration documents and “hope” Trossard will be available to face Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday.
The club’s Sporting Director, Edu, speaking after the deal was completed said: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Leandro Trossard. We have a clear plan and strategy for our direction, and it’s been a great team effort in bringing Leandro to the club.
“Leandro is a player who will give us a high level of quality going forward. I know Mikel and our coaches are excited to start working with him. Welcome, Leandro!”
Manager Mikel Arteta added: “It is good work from everyone at the club to complete the signing of Leandro. He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at international level.
“Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him. We welcome Leandro and his family to Arsenal Football Club.”
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The Belgian striker, after signing for Arsenal, said he joined the club because their ambition aligned with his dream, he also said, the deal will benefit both parties.
“They told me they really like me as a player, that I would really suit the system and how they want to play,” said Trossard to the Arsenal website.
“It helps me that I’m versatile and that I can play in different positions. They’re looking forward to working with me and vice versa. I’m really excited to work with them and I think Mikel [Arteta] is a top coach.
I like to be in the pocket behind the striker. On the wings, I can explore myself as well. I’m comfortable in either of those positions but if I were to choose, behind the striker – but it all depends on the system.
“This has been my best season in the Premier League until now. We did a great job at Brighton and my form has been really good. Obviously I haven’t played much since the World Cup since my situation [at Brighton] but I’m so excited to start at Arsenal and show myself at a top club to help the team.” he further said.
Arsenal moved for the Belgian after missing out on Ukrainian winger, Mykhailo Mudryk, who after expressing his desire to come to Emirates, made a U-turn and joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk on January 15.
