Signing for Arsenal came after a falling out with his manager
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Gabriel Martinelli, Kieran Tierney and Leandro Trossard of Arsenal before the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on April 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Leandro Trossard's £27million transfer to Arsenal from Brighton came off the back of a complete breakdown in his relationship with ex-boss Roberto De Zerbi. The Belgian will miss out on a reunion against the Seagulls on Saturday after securing a summer exit from north London to join Besiktas.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a successful four-year tenure on the south coast, but claimed the now-Tottenham boss "humiliated" him in front of his team-mates at the Amex Stadium, before pushing to sign for Arsenal.
The falling-out with the Italian manager allegedly led Trossard to leave a training session early without permission, which the winger has long denied. De Zerbi claimed that Trossard's decision to leave came after finding out he would not feature in Brighton's FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
The 47-year-old said at the time: "He left the session without saying anything to me. And it's not good. I spoke with him, and I explained this attitude [and] behaviour, I don't like. I am open with him to take a step back and listen to him, but he has to understand me; I want only players who work hard and play for the team 100 per cent."
De Zerbi's explanation was quickly refuted by Trossard's agent, who said it was a calf issue that saw Trossard leave training and revealed the situation left the attacker wanting to seek pastures new.
The statement read: "Before Leandro left for Qatar, Brighton's intention was to have Leandro sign on. This did not happen, as the parties did not come to an agreement. Leandro has also indicated that he is ready for his next step.
"After the World Cup, there was an altercation between Leandro and a player in training over a trivial matter. Since then, the manager no longer speaks to Leandro, which is obviously not conducive to the atmosphere, nor is it performance-oriented.
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard fell out with Roberto De Zerbi before signing for Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"Leandro still had a starting place against Southampton and Arsenal, but against Everton, he was on the bench. He was also not included in the five substitutions that took place at the time, and this without any explanation.
"In the run-up to the game against Middlesbrough for the FA Cup, Leandro had already indicated twice that he had problems with his calf. This was the reason why he stopped training. This was, incidentally, in consultation with the medical staff.
"The manager told Leandro that he had to train separately. Last Monday, the manager humiliated Leandro in group and indicated that he no longer wanted to see him. A manager who has not communicated directly with his player for four weeks is really incomprehensible.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Manager Roberto De Zerbi
The Italian now manages Tottenham Hotspur(Image: Dave Howarth / Getty Images)
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"Incidentally, it is also the manager who has indicated several times that a transfer is the most convenient solution. It is therefore important that Brighton cooperates with a potential transfer during this transfer period and shows a benevolent attitude, which is beneficial to both parties."
Trossard eventually joined Arsenal in January 2023 and scored 36 goals and contributed 34 assists in 174 games across all competitions. He netted six goals in the Gunners' Premier League title triumph last season before being sold for £17million to the Turkish giants.
De Zerbi left Brighton in May 2024 and joined Marseille a month later, but departed the Ligue 1 outfit in February earlier this year. His return to English football came with Spurs in March and led them to Premier League safety on the final day of the 2025/26 season.