Raheem Sterling’s arrival at Arsenal on deadline day does not mean a one-in, one-out policy for Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title contenders.
According to The AthleticAl Ittihad have offered to sign Gunners winger Leandro Trossard, initially on loan for €5m (£4.2m/$5.5m), with the Saudi Pro League side reportedly being obliged to buy for a fee in the region of €20m-25m.
But that was seen as a non-starter for Arsenal, with the Belgium international still an integral part of Arteta’s plans despite Sterling’s arrival.
Trossard moved to north London from Brighton midway through the 2022/23 season and scored 12 times in 34 Premier League appearances last term as Arsenal pushed Manchester City to the final day of the title race.
He made his first start of the season in the weekend’s 1-1 draw against his former club, with Trossard’s Arsenal career essentially being a battle between himself and Gabriel Martinelli for a place on the left flank.
Sterling is also a player of choice, as he can also play in midfield like Trossard. Additionally, the Chelsea loanee could serve as a rotation option for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
Despite Sterling’s successful partnership with Arteta when his new boss was assistant manager at City, Arsenal’s move for Trossard makes it clear that the 29-year-old England international will face an uphill battle to breathe new life into his struggling career.
