Leandro Trossard takes Nicolas Pepe’s No.19 shirt after signing for Arsenal, even though £70million Nice winger is still on the Gunners’ books
Arsenal have confirmed Leandro Trossard will wear the No.19 shirt after his transfer from Brighton.
That's despite the previous owner of that jersey, Nicolas Pepe, still being on the books at the Emirates Stadium.
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Trossard has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract for a fee in the region of £27million.
Arsenal had been interested in securing a deal for Ukraine international Mykhailo Mudryk, before he joined rivals Chelsea for £88million.
The Premier League leaders then decided to move swiftly to land Belgium international Trossard, who recently fell out with Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi leading to his agent requesting a transfer away for his client.
Arsenal have since confirmed the player will wear the No.19 shirt.
Pepe, the £70m flop, was the last player to wear that jersey before leaving on loan for Nice last summer.
The fact his number has been given away could suggest Mikel Arteta sees no future for the Frenchman in his squad, despite the fact his season-long loan back in Ligue 1 does NOT include an option to make the switch permanent.
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Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Gilberto Silva and Junichi Inamoto, have all previously donned the jersey over the years.
Pepe was shipped out back to France to revive his career, having struggled to live up to his price tag in the Premier League having previously scored for fun in Ligue 1.
The 27-year-old joined Arsenal on the back of scoring 37 goals and providing 18 assists in two seasons for Lille, but failed to build on that form in London as he managed 27 goals and 21 assists in 112 games.
Back in his homeland, though, Pepe is beginning to find his feet again, having managed eight goals so far this season on the French Riviera.
Arsenal, who are eyeing their first title in almost 20 years, are hopeful Trossard will be eligible to play against Manchester United on Sunday.
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“All documents have been submitted and we’re hoping Leandro will be eligible for selection for our match against Manchester United on Sunday," a club statement read.
Mikel Arteta is delighted to have his new recruit onboard, and praised the club for getting the deal over the line.
“It is good work from everyone at the club to complete the signing of Leandro," the Spaniard said.
"He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at international level.
"Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him. We welcome Leandro and his family to Arsenal Football Club.”
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