Mikel Arteta sent a message to Leandro Trossard and promise him one thing.
After the international break, Arsenal star Leandro Trossard could take on a new role under Mikel Arteta. The Belgian forward was used as a No.8 in Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Azerbaijan, which could spell trouble for Kai Havertz and Emile Smith Rowe in the future.
Trossard’s adaptability is a significant advantage for the Gunners, especially in a season that sees the resumption of Champions League play, which adds to Arteta’s fixture congestion. Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, David Raya, and Havertz all joined Arsenal this summer to bolster the club’s depth.
Mikel Arteta sent a message to Leandro Trossard and promise him one thing.
Arteta has already intimated that players who have not played as much as expected in the first four Premier League games of the season may be given more opportunities as the season advances towards the festive break. With the likes of Fabio Vieira and Trossard putting in great cameo performances off the bench, Havertz’s spot as a starter in midfield could be jeopardized.
Smith Rowe will be trying to force his way into the starting XI, but his future remains uncertain after Chelsea’s summer transfer window enquiry was denied. Havertz was purchased for a massive £65 million sum from Chelsea, but he has failed to score or assist this season.
Smith Rowe was a major player for Arteta a few years ago, but has since fallen down the pecking order due to injury issues and new arrivals to the team. According to CIES Football Observatory, the England international is worth £17 million, leaving the Gunners with a massive £82 million question mark in Arteta’s roster.
Vieira has two assists this season off the bench, while Trossard scored a critical goal in the FA Community Shield triumph over Manchester City ahead of the 2023/24 season. Arteta has mostly utilized the Belgian international in three-man attacks, but he was employed as a No.8 in pre-season.
Trossard played in midfield for Belgium during the international break, and the Arsenal manager may be inclined to use him there more frequently now that Havertz is suffering. There has been a lot of criticism levelled at the Germany international since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta has consistently defended him since his big-money signing in the summer.
Smith Rowe may consider his future next summer if he does not start more games in the coming weeks with Arteta seemingly already having ready-made replacements in Vieira and Trossard.
