Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has explained the events leading to a falling out with forward Leandro Trossard in the past month. The news comes as the Belgium international looks set for a transfer exit in the coming weeks, with a number of clubs linked with a switch.
Tottenham have been most heavily linked, with the Lilywhites in need of an attacking addition in the January window. The side currently sit five points off the top four, with the transfer market offering them a potential chance to reinforce their ranks for a late push into the Champions League.
Chelsea have also been eyeing a move for the 28-year-old in January, having made a habit of raiding Brighton since the summer window. Completing a trio of London sides monitoring Trossard are Arsenal, who could look for further quality in depth this window as part of a title push.
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The future of the versatile player seems uncertain as of now, having been kept separate from the first-team squad at Brighton, with his agent claiming his client was "humiliated" by De Zerbi and that a transfer would be the best solution. The manager has since tried to clear the situation up and set the record straight.
He told La Repubblica: "Nothing serious happened with Trossard. But recently, he didn't give 100% in training and on matchday, that’s it on my side. Football deserves respect. I don't have to apologise for anything."
The Italian manager did suggest there could be a way back though, adding: "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 Trossard wants to rejoin us with the right attitude, I am happy to coach him."
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