Arsenal transfer news: Have the Gunners found a potential replacement for Leandro Trossard?

Arsenal have reportedly pinpointed a forward they believe could be an upgrade on Leandro Trossard. The Gunners acquired Trossard for £21 million from Brighton & Hove Albion in the January 2023 transfer window, uncertain at the time whether he’d be a squad option or a major offensive asset for Mikel Arteta. The latter has materialized, as the 29-year-old has scored 20 goals and provided 13 assists across 81 games in all competitions, proving his reliability for Arteta, especially with no other player consistently delivering in the final third.

However, Trossard is now facing a challenging period at Arsenal, struggling to match last season’s form. In nine starts and four substitute appearances, he has only two goals and one assist this season, with no contributions since October 1. With 18 months left on his contract in January, Arsenal could be vulnerable to offers if they don’t secure an extension, which may prompt them to consider replacements.

The Mirror reports that Arsenal’s management admires West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus as a possible alternative. The Ghanaian forward, now in the second year of his five-year contract at West Ham, has netted 16 goals and delivered seven assists in 55 appearances. Kudus, like Trossard, can play across the front line, though his 10 goals and six assists in 41 Premier League games may be viewed as modest.

As for a potential transfer fee, the report indicates that West Ham would seek £90 million for Kudus, which raises questions about whether Arsenal would meet that price—especially considering their £100 million signing of former West Ham star Declan Rice and the need for a traditional center-forward.