Mikel Arteta has no concerns about Leandro Trossard after acrimonious departure from Brighton

Mikel Arteta has insisted he has no concerns over Leandro Trossard’s character after Arsenal completed their £21 million move for the Belgium forward.

Trossard left Brighton in acrimonious circumstances after falling out with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who accused the 28-year-old of storming out of a training session without permission earlier this month.

Trossard was subsequently dropped from the Brighton squad for their 3-0 win over Liverpool but Arteta said he and his coaching staff have done their homework on the player, who could make his debut on Sunday against Manchester United.

“We know the player, we obviously dig into the experiences and the personality and the relationship he had at other clubs,” said Arteta. “We are very confident we are signing the right person and the right player.”

Arteta received a glowing character reference from assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg, who previously worked with Trossard at Belgian side Genk.

“We talk about everybody that we want to recruit because character is something crucial, but as well to understand how they are going to be around the club. Albert did [provide a reference]. Not for now, but for the last few years as well.”

Arsenal believe Trossard’s paperwork was submitted in time for him to play against United on Sunday, but were still awaiting official confirmation on Friday night.

Their swift move for Trossard comes as the club steps up its efforts to strengthen Arteta’s squad this month, with a deal now close for Poland centre-back Jakub Kiwior.

Kiwior, who plays for Italian side Spezia, is in advanced talks over a transfer that could cost in the region of £20 million.

The left-sided centre-back has been identified as competition and cover for Gabriel Magalhaes, who has started every Premier League game this season.

The 22-year-old has reportedly caught the eye of Juventus and Milan in Italy, but Arsenal have now made their move as they look to bring him to north London.

Trossard, meanwhile, is Arsenal’s oldest outfield signing since Willian joined the club from Chelsea in August 2020, but Arteta said his young squad is now capable of “absorbing” older players.

“It is very simple,” said the Arsenal manager. “Right now the squad can absorb a player of 28 years old. With the right experience, the right versatility and the right quality. And as well with the right price, for sure. We had no questions about that.

“It is not that we had to sign 20, 21, 22 year olds for the next five years. That is not the plan. We need to have a balance and at the moment we have a really good balance in the squad, it can absorb a player of that age.”

Arteta added that Trossard’s Premier League experience was “very important” in the deal.

“This is a really demanding league with a lot of specific contexts that are required to perform here,” said Arteta. “Especially at this moment in time when you don’t have time for preparation. It was something that was very important to us.”