After securing his move to us, Leandro Trossard has said he wants to help our supporters “achieve their dreams” now he is an Arsenal player.
The Belgian international arrives from Brighton & Hove Albion having scored seven times in 16 Premier League games so far this term, and he believes he can improve further under Mikel Arteta to try and maintain that form, and help bring success to the club.
“I’m really excited to get started,” he said in his first interview with Arsenal.com. “This is a big club and I’m ready to show the fans what I can do. Everyone has seen how well we’re doing already and I’m here to help achieve their dreams - including myself.
“I’m going to take it day by day, work hard and try to help the team to achieve their goals. [I want to] get better as well. I know the manager is a great coach and I hope to be involved in doing great things and getting better as a player in every aspect.
“I’m really excited to see the fans in the stadium. I hope I can give you my all. I want to try and create as many magic moments as possible, and hopefully we can celebrate together.”
Leandro has starred for the Seagulls and at international level in a variety of positions, mainly appearing on the left flank throughout his career but has increasingly featured as a second striker or in the hole during recent campaigns.
He feels that flexibility will help him thrive in north London, especially after discussing his role in the team with Mikel and Sporting Director Edu before sealing the deal.
Giving an insight into their talks, Leandro added: “They told me they really like me as a player, that I would really suit the system and how they want to play. It helps me that I’m versatile and that I can play in different positions. They’re looking forward to working with me and vice versa. I’m really excited to work with them and I think Mikel is a top coach.
“I like to be in the pocket behind the striker. On the wings, I can explore myself as well. I’m comfortable in either of those positions but if I were to choose, behind the striker - but it all depends on the system.
“I think I’m good in 1v1s. I’m composed in the box, so if I get chances, I can finish them off. I can hopefully help the team to win tough games - I’m great in tight spaces. I’m quite experienced as well, so I hope I can bring that to the team as well.”
The 28-year-old has already bagged seven goals this season, the highlight of which saw him net three times at Anfield. Having nearly surpassed last season's tally of eight halfway through the season, he feels he is at the peak of his powers right now, which will only benefit us during the business end of the campaign.
“This has been my best season in the Premier League,” he added. “We did a great job at Brighton and my form there has been really good. After the World Cup, I didn’t play much because of the situation but I’m just so excited to start here with Arsenal and show myself on the biggest stage for a top club.
“[The club] has so much history and I want to be part of that history going on. That’s why I joined this project. I’m really excited to be here. I want to show myself to all the fans and on the biggest stage.”
Hear much more from our new number 19, including the secret behind his trademark goggles goal celebration, by watching the full interview above.
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