Premier League rivals set to deliver blow to Newcastle United & Arsenal with contract decision

Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly close to delivering a blow to Newcastle United and Arsenal’s hopes of landing winger Leandro Trossard.

The in-demand winger was part of the Belgium squad that disappointed at the World Cup and featured in all three of their group stage fixtures against Canada, Morocco and Croatia as Roberto Martinez’s side fell at the first hurdle, despite having high hopes ahead of the tournament.

If he failed to shine at international level, the same could not be said of Trossard’s form with his club after he scored seven goals and provided three assists in 14 appearances for Brighton as they ended the first part of the Premier League season sat in seventh position. The former Genk star struck a memorable hat-trick in a 3-3 draw at Liverpool and also found the net in games against Manchester City and Chelsea.

Trossard has also been linked with a reunion with former Seagulls manager Graham Potter following his move to Chelsea earlier this season - and he commented on that possible switch ahead of the World Cup, telling Belgian outlet Het Lastste Nieuws: “That was very strange, because I’ve always played under Potter at Brighton and have got better year after year. You go through the full preparation and suddenly a new coach is there in September. Then you don’t know what to expect, but the reactions about De Zerbi were only positive. He really wants to play football and the way he wants to play suits me perfectly.”

However, SussexLive have reported Brighton could scupper any plans for a move away from the AMEX Stadium by taking up a one-year option on his current contract, which is set to come to an end at the end of the season.