Premier League table-topper Arsenal have announced the signing of Belgian midfielder Leandro Trossard on a permanent deal after forcing his move away from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Trossard was involved in a tussle with Brighton’s manager Roberto De Zerbi due to his negative attitude in training in an attempt to force a transfer to a top English club.

Coach De Zerbi banished the former Genk player from the first team squad for the club’s last three matches but the player’s agent offered him to Arsenal earlier this week.

After losing their priority target for the January transfer window, Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea in a record-breaking move, Arsenal quickly moved-in for the 28-year-old, paying £21 million to ‘The Seagulls’.

Announcing the new arrival on its website Friday evening, the Gunners statement said: “Belgium international Leandro Trossard has joined us from Brighton & Hove Albion on a long-term contract.”

It added: “The 28-year-old winger was a member of the Belgium squad at the recent World Cup 2022 in Qatar and has made 24 appearances for his country.”

The Belgium international made 121 appearances for Brighton, the team he joined in 2019, with 16 of those coming in the Premier League, this in which he scored seven goals including a hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield in October.

He will be immediately available for selection when Arsenal host Manchester United in a high-profile Premier League clash on Sunday.