Chris Waddle has urged Mikel Arteta to sell Leandro Trossard and pursue a deal for Anthony Gordon, who is also a target for Bayern Munich. The former England midfielder believes the time is right for Arsenal to upgrade their left-wing options.
Trossard's Role Under Scrutiny
Trossard has been one of Arteta's shrewdest signings since arriving from Brighton for £27 million in January 2023. He played an important role in Arsenal's title-winning side, scoring the crucial winner against West Ham late in the season. Despite being linked with an exit last summer, the Belgian remained at the Emirates and contributed significantly. He is under contract for another season and recently indicated he intends to stay.
'I still have one year on my contract, and hopefully, first we win the Champions League,' the 31-year-old said. 'Then I think next season can be another very nice season.'
However, with only six league goals in 31 appearances this season, Waddle thinks Arsenal need to look for an upgrade. 'I think they need to be looking at another winger on the left-hand side because Leandro Trossard isn't really a winger,' Waddle told Boyle Sports. 'He's been converted into one. Trossard has done well. I'm not saying he hasn't. He's a dangerous player but I don't think he's a good enough winger.'
Potential Replacements
Waddle namechecked Gordon and Jarrod Bowen as Premier League-proven replacements. 'Somebody like Anthony Gordon would be a good acquisition or maybe even Jarrod Bowen,' Waddle added. 'He would be a player who could play in this Arsenal team. I know he likes to play down the right and that's where Bukayo Saka is but he could do a job down the left and he'd get you goals and work hard for the team.'
Gordon looks set to leave Newcastle United this summer as the Magpies seek to raise funds, with Bayern among those interested in the England international. Meanwhile, Bowen's future at West Ham is uncertain following their relegation from the Premier League. Speaking about his future, Bowen said: 'Listen, it's still very, very raw. Talking about futures is disrespectful to the club, the fans, everything like that. This club deserves to be in the Premier League. That's our aim now, this season is done, our aim now is to get back in the Premier League. That's as simple as it is.'
Arsenal are also reportedly in talks to sign a Chelsea target after Arteta sanctioned an £80 million move, as the club prepares to defend their Premier League title.
