Arsenal may feel as though they got the better end of the bargain by missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk in January with Leandro Trossard impressing in Mikel Arteta’s system. The Gunners are once again flying high at the top of the table and head into the international break just one point behind league leaders Manchester City.
Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s main man again with the winger scoring six goals and providing eight assists in all competitions. But it was Trossard who helped Arsenal clinch all three points against Burnley on Saturday in what proved to be a tricky match for Arteta’s side.
The Belgian put his body on the line for Arsenal’s opening goal before the break as he crashed into the woodwork. He was able to continue in the second half and it was his delivery from a corner that led to William Saliba restoring Arsenal’s lead before Oleksandr Zinchenko made sure of all three points for Arsenal later in the half.
It’s Trossard’s goal threat that may please Arteta the most though with the winger now level with Saka as the club’s highest scorer this season with six. He’s popped up with some important goals in the league, including the winner against Everton in September.
The 28-year-old has shown his versatility by playing through the middle as well to give Arteta another option up front. In game against Sevilla and Burnley this week, Trossard’s work up front has helped bring the best out of Saka.
Trossard attracts more attention from defenders due to his movement, opening up space for Saka to exploit down the right wing. It could have all been different for Arsenal in January though has Arteta got his top target Mudryk instead of Trossard.
Arsenal were the strong favourites to sign Mudryk for several weeks before Chelsea swooped in with an eye-watering £88.5million move. The Gunners couldn’t compete with that and swiftly moved their focus to Trossard in a deal that ended up being £60m cheaper.
Trossard has arguably been better value for money since their respective moves in January with Mudryk still finding his feet at Stamford Bridge. But even more importantly for Arteta was that £60m saved helped give them the funds for their big moves this past summer.
Arsenal ended up spending over £200m combined on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber as well as bringing in David Raya on loan. Arteta may now be feeling fortunate the club ended up signing Trossard as the club have been on an upward trajectory ever since.
