Topics: Arsenal, Brighton And Hove Albion, Transfers, Football
Arsenal have opened talks with Brighton over a deal to sign winger Leandro Trossard, according to reports.
Trossard, 28, looks destined to leave the Amex Stadium this month after falling out with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
The Belgium international left the UK without permission earlier this month after being told he would not be part of Brighton's squad for their Premier League match against Liverpool.
De Zerbi claimed he left the winger out due to concerns over his attitude and behaviour in training, which followed reports that Tottenham were planning a bid for Trossard in the January window.
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However, it could be Arsenal who end up signing Trossard this month, with the Gunners entering into negotiations with Brighton over a deal for the player.
"Arsenal have opened talks to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton, negotiations are advanced with official bid ready for permanent move," tweeted respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
"Personal terms already agreed — talks will continue to get deal done soon."
He later added: "More on Trossard deal scoop. Been told talks are very advanced as Arsenal are prepared to close the deal in the next hours. Not early stages but progressing fast for permanent move.
"Full agreement reached on personal terms, it will be long-term contract for Trossard."
Arsenal are searching for a winger after seeing their No 1 transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk join Chelsea instead.
Mudryk had looked likely to move to the Emirates after dropping several hints over his desire to join the Gunners.
But Chelsea hijacked Arsenal's talks with Shakhtar Donetsk, eventually signing him in a deal worth up to £88m.
It has been claimed that Chelsea managed to convince Mudryk to join them instead of Arsenal after telling him he may struggle to start at the Emirates over Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal have now turned their attention to Trossard, who is under contract with Brighton until this summer with the club holding an option to extend his deal until 2024.
Reports claim the Seagulls are now seeking £25m for the player.
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Trossard's agent had already approached a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool
But both North West clubs 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."
