Gabriel Martinelli has backed Arsenal’s transfer move for Leandro Trossard and believes his new teammate will become a ‘very important player’ for the club.
After losing out to Chelsea in the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk this month, Arsenal moved quickly to complete a £27m deal with Brighton for Trossard last week.
The Belgium international, who will be out of contract with Brighton in the summer, made his debut in the closing stages of Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, replacing Martinelli in the 82nd minute.
Trossard’s arrival signals more competition for places in Arteta’s frontline but Martinelli, who has scored seven goals in the Premier League this campaign, has welcomed the Gunners’ latest addition.
When asked about Arsenal’s decision to sign Trossard from Brighton, Martinelli told ESPN Brasil: ‘He’ll be a very important player for us. We know his quality.
‘He did very well at Brighton and will certainly help a lot. And we are trying to welcome him in the best possible way so that he can be calm and show his football.’
Arsenal’s win over the Red Devils means they are now five points clear of Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side having played one match more.
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Arsenal are now favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004 and Martinelli believes his teammates are in the right frame of mind to finally lift the trophy after a long period of time.
‘We have a winning mentality,’ Martinelli said. ‘We always go on the pitch to win and we have to keep doing that if we want to be champions.
‘It does not depend on age, but on the mentality and the desire to win every game.’
