Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with Brighton star Leandro Trossard, as the Belgian edges closer to an exit from the Seagulls.
Trossard, 28, has starred for Brighton this season, scoring seven goals as they emerged as contenders for the European qualification places. But since the World Cup, his relationship with boss Roberto De Zerbi has broken down, with the Italian banishing him from training.
The tensions between De Zerbi and Trossard publicly exploded last week when the Belgian's agent released a statement which furiously hit out at the Brighton boss. Josy Comhair accused De Zerbi of "humiliating" his client and demanded that Brighton work to secure him a move in the January transfer window.
It appears that Trossard has quickly seen his wish granted, with reports emerging on Thursday that the Gunners have already agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old. The Premier League leaders have opened talks with Brighton, with negotiations said to be an an advanced stage.
An official bid is thought to be ready to be submitted as Arsenal look to secure the Belgian, with hope that the deal can be completed soon. The move for Trossard comes days after the Gunners were beaten to top target Mykhaylo Mudryk by Chelsea.
The Blues completed an £87million move for the Ukrainian on Saturday, having hijacked Arsenal's pursuit of the winger. After that transfer broke down, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hinted the club's transfer chiefs were working on alternative targets.
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"I am happy with the players we have. We always try to improve the squad. The club are the first to try and improve the players we have. We have to be consistent with the targets we want. The club is the first one that is trying, but I think as well we have to have some discipline," Arteta told Sky Sports on Sunday.
"We can get those players [that we already have] better, so let's focus on that. We had injuries which are not helpful but we go [again] tomorrow, we go day by day. Train better, train better and review the game.
"We will try to improve the team. There are always a few parties involved. The window is open and we try to improve the team. The club is willing, they have my support and we'll try and do it together."
De Zerbi has hit out at Trossard and his agent in recent days, making it clear he was ready to sell the attacker. The Brighton boss criticised Trossard's recent performances and insisted he would not apologise for banishing him.
"Nothing serious happened with Trossard. But recently, he didn’t give 100 per cent in training and on matchday, that’s it on my side. Football deserves respect. I don’t have to apologise for anything," De Zerbi told Italian outlet La Repubblica.
"Maybe his agent fancies selling him for a lower transfer fee... surely, Trossard didn’t tell me the truth. Everyone in the dressing room knows how things went. But if Trossand wants to rejoin us with the right attitude, I am happy to coach him."
