21 January 2023 , 02:00
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Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has warned Leandro Trossard that he may find game-time hard to come by after completing his switch to the Emirates Stadium.
After missing out on top target Mykhaylo Mudryk to Chelsea, Mikel Arteta quickly turned his attention to Trossard. Personal terms were agreed on Thursday, with Arsenal paying Brighton £27million to sign the Belgian, and the deal being made official on Friday.
Trossard had fallen out of favour at the Amex Stadium, having been banished from training by boss Roberto De Zerbi. Trossard's agent demanded a transfer, a wish he was subsequently granted, with the Gunners completing the move ahead of their clash with Manchester United this Sunday.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hailed his arrival, declaring: "He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at international level. Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him."
But with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in impressive form this term, Parlour is struggling to see how Trossard will be anything more than an impact substitute in North London. And the former Gunners star believes it is a gamble on the Belgian's part to make the move.
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"Certainly, he’s a good squad player," Parlour told talkSPORT of Trossard. "He’s not going to be starting in front of Saka and Martinelli at the moment. [Emile] Smith Rowe’s on the bench at the moment, another quality player.
"If you look at Manchester City’s bench when they bring top stars on, it’s littered with unbelievable players, which is different to Arsenal’s bench. They needed someone. Obviously, they missed out on Mudryk to Chelsea and they needed a reinforcement."
Parlour added: "It’s a gamble but he’s got big money and big contract so good luck to him. I think they (Arsenal) were always looking for a winger.
"He (Trossard) can pop up with a goal - he got a hat-trick at Anfield earlier this season - so I think he’s a decent signing for the money as well, it’s not a lot in this era. He’s got good experience, I thought he was a no-brainer for Arsenal."
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Ray Parlour believes Leandro Trossard will struggle for game-time at Arsenal (talkSPORT)Chelsea's hijacking of Arsenal's move for Mudryk came just before the Gunners' win over Tottenham in Sunday's North London derby. Following that game, Arteta insisted he was staying calm as he looks to boost his squad for a charge to the title.
"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," Arteta told Sky Sports.
"The club is the first one that is trying, but I think as well we have to have some discipline. 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."