Ray Parlour has warned new Arsenal signing Leandro Trossard that he will only play a minor role in Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad..
The Belgian international is set to complete his move to the Premier League leaders on Friday and is expected to make his debut against Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsenal have quickly moved on from the disappointment of missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, who completed his big-money move to Chelsea last weekend after appearing to be on the verge of joining their north London rivals.
Trossard, who was managed by Arteta’s assistant Albert Stuivenberg during their time together at Genk, has long been a target for the Gunners..
Arsenal and Brighton have agreed a deal worth up to £27 million, and while Parlour believes the new signing was a “no-brainer,” he is unlikely to displace Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka from Arteta’s starting XI.
He’s definitely a good squad player,’ Parlour revealed to talkSPORT. ‘He’s not going to start ahead of Saka and Martinelli right now.
‘Smith Rowe, another quality player, is currently on the bench. When Manchester City brings in top stars, their bench is littered with incredible players, as opposed to Arsenal’s bench.
‘They required someone. They obviously missed out on Mudryk to Chelsea and needed reinforcement..
I didn’t, but it’s a gamble, and he’s got a lot of money and a big contract, so good luck to him.
I believe they were always on the lookout for a winger. He can score goals, he had a hat-trick at Anfield earlier this season, so I think he’s a good signing for the money, which isn’t much in this era, he’s got good experience, and I thought he was a no-brainer for Arsenal.’
Brighton were hesitant to let the versatile winger leave in January, but after a string of disciplinary issues following the World Cup, manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted the south coast club had little choice.
‘The situation was difficult, I believe, because I understood,’ he said..
I apologize for the previous period because I prefer when people are clear rather than when there are some different behaviors. I believe we are a good team that can play well with or without Leo..
‘You can always improve in the transfer market. You can always bring in new players, but we’re at a good level right now, and the players are very good.
‘It’s not going to be easy to improve this squad. But if there’s a chance with Tony (Bloom) and the club, we’ll do something.’
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