The reason why Trossard snubbed Arsenal in 2019, with the Gunners now finally set to get their man

Arsenal target Leandro Trossard snubbed the Gunners four years ago, a throwback interview can reveal.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners are in talks to sign want-away Brighton attacker Trossard.

In a tweet, Romano claimed: “Arsenal have opened talks to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton, negotiations are advanced with official bid ready for a permanent move.

“Personal terms already agreed — talks will continue to get the deal done soon.”

The journalist added in a follow-up tweet that Mikel Arteta’s side were hoping to close the deal within hours and that talks were “progressing fast” between all parties.

The Gunners have been keen to add to their attacking ranks this window to consolidate their position at the summit of the Premier League.

Having failed in their attempts to land their number one target Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal have turned their attention to alternatives.

While Trossard looks likely to pen to paper on a “long term” Arsenal deal, the 28-year-old has snubbed the club in the past.

Trossard’s past Arsenal snub

The Belgian international signed for Brighton from Genk in the summer of 2019.

However, the winger could have signed for Arsenal at the time, had interest from the north London side been reciprocated.

In a November interview Trossard’s agent, Josy Comhair, explained to HUMO how his client's transfer to England was completed.

He said: “[Graham] Potter came to Brussels, especially for Leandro. With an extensive PowerPoint presentation to convince him. He absolutely wanted him.

“There were other options. In the same period, I had several conversations with Arsenal. They came to Belgium four times.

“I’ll give you a note: most players would have chosen Arsenal. But what would have happened if Leandro didn’t get to play? Then there is only one way out: to take a step back.

“People don’t realise what that does in someone’s head. I know Leandro: bench him three times and he goes wild. So, we turned it around: if he does well at Brighton, he doesn’t have to back down, he can take a step forward. Didn’t we get it right?”

Topics: Football, Brighton And Hove Albion, Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.