Leandro Trossard finished the 2018/19 season with 22 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, and in the process helped Genk to win the title.
Arsenal have long been following the 24-year-old and were one of the clubs believed to be interested in acquiring his services in the summer transfer window.
The Belgium international’s asking price was set at €20m, which seemed reasonable for the Gunners.
Last month, his agent Josy Comhair explained a move to Arsenal could be a possibility for his client, but this was before Brighton & Hove Albion entered the scene.
The north London club were unsuccessful in signing him as the Seagulls completed his transfer earlier this week.
Comhair and his client’s father Peter Trossard sat down for a lengthy interview with Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws and explained why the winger preferred not to join Unai Emery’s side this summer.
“Because he has not skipped a single step in his career. He could go to Atlético or Arsenal today, beautiful clubs, but that is too early,” Comhair explained.
“To take the next step, he must now go to Brighton. If he shows his Genk performance at Brighton, then the big clubs will come and get him next summer.”
It’s clear that Trossard and his agent view Brighton as a stepping stone to get a big move in his career.
