Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster has expressed disbelief over Arsenal's decision to sell Leandro Trossard, describing the Belgian winger as an 'influential' player whose departure could prove costly. Trossard played a key role in ending Arsenal's 22-year title drought last season, contributing six goals and six assists in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old made it clear he wanted a fresh challenge after two-and-a-half seasons in north London, leading to a £15.3 million move to Turkish club Besiktas. Arsenal lined up Christos Tzolis as a like-for-like replacement, paying £34 million to Club Brugge, but the Greece international's previous spell in English football with Norwich City was unremarkable.
Foster's Criticism of Trossard Sale
Speaking on talkSPORT, Foster said: 'I don’t like the Trossard sale, I really don’t. I think he’s such a big, influential player for them and I can’t believe they’ve sold him.' He also praised Arsenal's capture of Bruno Guimaraes, calling it a 'big signing' and adding 'I like him a lot.'
Arsenal had hoped to strengthen their attack with a move for Vinicius Junior, but the Brazilian signed a new long-term contract with Real Madrid last week, leaving the Gunners to consider alternatives before the transfer deadline.
Foster's Title Predictions
Foster believes the upcoming title race is wide open, describing it as 'one of the hardest calls to make that we’ve had in recent years.' He tipped Manchester United, citing their end-of-season resurgence under Michael Carrick.
'Last season’s form has set into motion a style of play and an expectation of what those players have to deliver week in, week out for Manchester United,' Foster said. 'If they can add another one or two then Manchester United are definitely within a shout, but they need to add one or two big ones. The problem nowadays is that if you’re going to add one or two big ones then it’s £200m. Liverpool need a couple of big ones!'
Signing of the Summer
Foster also praised Manchester United's capture of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, calling it the 'signing of the summer' so far. 'What a bit of business,' he said. 'I’ve watched a load of transfers happen, Tottenham spending a lot of money, Arsenal have just spent a lot of money, but I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing of the summer so far. For £30m (£35m), whatever it was, he is a ready-made, good-to-go, starting XI player and if you can spend that money on a ready-to-go starter then it’s worth every single penny.'
Foster added that United still need a 'focal point striker' but noted that such a player would cost around £100 million. 'I still think they need that one focal point striker, that one big boy striker. The problem is, where are you going to get it from? And it’s going to cost you £100m, it’s the way it goes nowadays.'
