Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster has criticised Arsenal's decision to sell Leandro Trossard this summer, saying he 'can't believe' the club allowed such an 'influential' player to leave. Trossard was key to Arsenal ending their 22-year title drought last season, contributing six goals and six assists in the Premier League.
Trossard's move to Besiktas
The 31-year-old made clear he wanted a fresh challenge after two-and-a-half seasons in north London, and completed a move to Turkish club Besiktas for £15.3 million. Arsenal lined up Christos Tzolis as a like-for-like replacement, signing the Greece international from Club Brugge for £34 million. Tzolis previously had a two-year spell at Norwich City, but his time in English football was unremarkable, and he will now face pressure to justify his fee.
Foster's verdict on Arsenal's transfer dealings
Speaking on talkSPORT, Foster said: 'I don't like the Trossard sale, I really don't. I think he's such a big, influential player for them and I can't believe they've sold him.' However, he praised the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, calling it a 'big signing'.
Arsenal had hoped to make a statement move for Vinicius Junior, but the Brazilian signed a new long-term contract at Real Madrid, leaving the Gunners to consider alternatives before the transfer deadline.
Foster tips Manchester United for the title
Foster believes the title race is wide open, but he is backing Manchester United, citing their end-of-season resurgence under Michael Carrick. He said: 'I think it's one of the hardest calls to make that we've had in recent years. I'm going to say Manchester United. Last season's form has set into motion a style of play and an expectation of what those players have to deliver week in, week out.' He added that United need to add 'one or two big ones' to be in contention.
Foster also hailed United's capture of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa as the 'signing of the summer', saying: 'For £30m (£35m), whatever it was, he is a ready-made, good-to-go, starting XI player. I still think they need that one focal point striker, that one big boy striker.'
