Romano dampens Arsenal hopes after agent of Chelsea target reveals ‘several conversations’

Fabrizio Romano has dampened the hopes of Arsenal fans after the agent of Leandro Trossard revealed he had “several conversations” with the Gunners over his transfer before he opted for Brighton.

Trossard has been in outstanding form for Brighton this season and former manager Graham Potter is thought to be keen on signing him for Chelsea, possibly in January.

Arsenal have been added into the rumour mix for the Belgium forward in recent days and his agent, Josy Comhair, revealed that they spoke to the Gunners before Trossard moved to Brighton in the summer of 2019.

“Potter came to Brussels especially for Leandro. With an extensive Power Point presentation to convince him. He absolutely wanted him,” Comhair told HUMO.

“There were other options. In the same period, I had several conversations with Arsenal. They came to Belgium four times.

“I’ll give you a note: most players would have chosen Arsenal. But what would have happened if Leandro didn’t get to play? Then there is only one way out: to take a step back. People don’t realise what that does in someone’s head.

“I know Leandro: bench him three times and he goes wild. So, we turned it around: if he does well at Brighton, he doesn’t have to back down, he can take a step forward (grins). Didn’t we get it right?”

Trossard and his representatives aren’t currently in talks with Arsenal, with Chelsea the only side thought currently to be in the running for his signature, and as Romano explained, it’s nothing out of the ordinary for the agents of top players to hold conversations with multiple clubs.

“Leandro Trossard’s agent has been speaking about holding talks with Arsenal a few years ago, and this has inevitably attracted a lot of interest,” Romano said.

“This might not come across in the agent’s interview, but it was nothing serious – it’s normal for agents of talented players to have many conversations with top clubs around Europe and that’s what happened. It was never an advanced negotiation with Arsenal.

“Trossard is now performing great for Brighton. I think he’s very good player but I don’t see him leaving in January.”