Premier League leaders Arsenal are thought to be interested in signing Brighton forward Leandro Trossard, following news that he wants to leave the club this January.
Trossard hit the headlines on Friday after it emerged that he had left the UK having being told he would not play against Liverpool. Nevertheless, the Seagulls managed to get the job done without him, reeling away 3-0 winners at the Amex stadium.
The news followed reports that the 28-year-old had been banished from first-team training at Brighton as a result of problems with his attitude.
Trossard is out of contract in the summer, although Brighton hold an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
However, the Belgium international is now seeking to leave the South Coast club on a permanent deal, according to a statement released by the player’s agency.
“He [Trossard] win’t sign a new deal. A transfer is his only solution,” read the statement, as reported by Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur.
Trossard’s agent has since explained his decision, claiming that he felt “humiliated” after an altercation with another player led to him having to train away from the rest of the squad..
Following rejections from Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool, Trossard has been rumoured with a move to North London.
Arsenal interested in Trossard
Brighton are thought to be open to selling Trossard, with Tottenham initially keen on signing him, according to reports.
However, North London rivals Arsenal are also said to be interested, claim talkSPORT.
Mikel Arteta is said to have identified Trossard as a possible alternative to Mykhailo Mudryk following the winger’s move to Chelsea.
Despite a fall-out with manager Roberto De Zerbi and Trossard’s desire to leave, Brighton are thought to still want at least £25million for the player, refusing let him leave on the cheap.
According to CBS Sports transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, Trossard’s agent has already approached a whole host of Premier League clubs. However, both Manchester United and Liverpool were said to be “irritated” by his advances, and rejected the offer.
Jacobs told the Last Word On Spurs podcast: “The first thing to say with Trossard is that he wants a move away. No specific preference, and his agent has been working extremely hard to fuel interest.
“He went to Tottenham, he went to Chelsea, he went to Liverpool, he went to Manchester United and he went to Newcastle United.
“Liverpool and Manchester United dismissed it, even, as I understand it, got a little bit irritated by how much on the agent’s side was being leaked about interest in his client.”
