Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster has expressed disbelief over Arsenal’s decision to sell winger Leandro Trossard to Turkish club Besiktas, labeling the move a significant transfer mistake. Foster believes Trossard was an “influential” squad member whose departure leaves a notable void at the Emirates Stadium.
Trossard’s Contribution to Arsenal’s Title Challenge
Leandro Trossard played a crucial role in Arsenal’s recent Premier League campaign, which saw the club end a 22-year wait for the title. During the last season, the Belgian international contributed six goals and six assists, proving his value as a key attacking player. Despite his contributions, the 31-year-old sought a new challenge after two and a half seasons in North London, ultimately completing a transfer to Besiktas for a reported fee of £15.3 million.
Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy and Replacements
In an apparent effort to replace Trossard, Arsenal secured the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for a substantial £34 million. However, Foster questioned the suitability of this replacement, noting that Tzolis’ prior experience in English football with Norwich City was not particularly impressive. This raises questions about the pressure on the Greek international to justify the significant transfer fee and fill the creative void left by Trossard on the left wing.
Arsenal’s ambitions extended to a high-profile move for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, with whom they were reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement. However, Vinicius ultimately signed a new long-term contract with the Spanish club, forcing Arsenal to reconsider their attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
Ben Foster’s Views on Arsenal’s Transfer Dealings
Speaking on talkSPORT, Ben Foster stated, “I don’t like the Trossard sale, I really don’t.” He elaborated on his surprise, saying, “I think he’s such a big, influential player for them and I can’t believe they’ve sold him.” Foster’s comments highlight a sentiment that Trossard’s departure might be a misstep, especially given his proven impact on the team’s performance.
Assessing the Broader Title Race Landscape
Beyond Arsenal’s specific transfer activity, Foster also shared his perspective on the upcoming Premier League season’s title race. He suggested that the competition appears particularly open this year, with several teams having the potential to challenge. The former England goalkeeper, however, expressed confidence in Manchester United’s prospects, citing their strong finish to the previous season under manager Michael Carrick.
Foster believes that Manchester United’s current playing style and the expectations set for the squad have created a solid foundation. He indicated that with “one or two” more significant signings, the Red Devils could emerge as serious contenders. “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,” Foster remarked. He acknowledged the financial implications, noting that “the problem nowadays is that if you’re going to add one or two big ones then it’s £200m.”
Youri Tielemans: The ‘Signing of the Summer’?
Foster lauded Manchester United’s acquisition of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, declaring it potentially the “signing of the summer.” He praised the deal, stating, “What a bit of business.” Despite significant spending by other clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal, Foster singled out Tielemans for his immediate impact and value.
“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 explained. He also reiterated the ongoing need for top clubs to secure a prolific striker, identifying it as a persistent challenge in the current transfer market. “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.”
Conclusion on Arsenal’s Transfer Decisions
Ben Foster’s critique of Arsenal’s decision to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas underscores the perceived risk in parting with a player who has demonstrated significant influence and contribution. While Arsenal appears to be investing in new talent, questions remain about the strategic alignment and potential impact of these moves, particularly in light of Trossard’s proven track record and the substantial fee paid for his replacement. The coming season will ultimately determine the wisdom of these transfer strategies for all involved clubs.
