Leandro Trossard reveals what he really thinks about Arsenal rivalry after £184m transfer spree

Leandro Trossard believes the strong competition at Arsenal has helped him take his game to the next level. The Gunners forked out £183.5million on new forwards alone in the summer transfer window, yet the 30-year-old winger has still managed to force himself into Mikel Arteta's side.

Trossard, who signed a lucrative new deal at the Emirates Stadium in August, has featured seven times across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Playing a key role, the Belgium international has helped Arsenal mount another bid for the Premier League title.

Despite strong from Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke for a place on the left wing, he's proved worth his weight in gold. Many players would have been disheartened to see their manager sign a direct rival for minutes, but Trossard has embraced the challenge.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of this weekend's clash against West Ham, the Belgian showed his true colours. On starting for Arsenal, he said: "[It gives me] confidence, also happiness.

"I would say it’s a nice reward. I would say if you give something to the team, to the manager, you get the reward after that as well. That’s confidence you have to take with on the pitch. I think I’m in a good spot at the moment, and I hope I can give a lot more to the team."

On the competition for minutes and the squad depth at Arsenal, Trossard said: "Obviously if you know there’s a lot of quality waiting on the sideline to come in and show themselves as well, it pushes you to certain limits as well, I would say.

"But, I would say we have a really good group and understanding, as well. Everyone one can play, everyone has the quality to play. You have seen, I think the last five games, someone who came off the bench has scored a goal or provided an assist.

"And that’s what we need basically because there are so many games at the moment and every game is tough, whether it’s the Champions League, Premier League, cup, so we need that."

Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday, Arteta revealed whether he plans to continue rotating his squad. The Arsenal boss said: "With the schedule that we have, we have to play Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday.

"So the last time we played three games in seven days is a while ago. Some of the players haven't played, ever, three games in seven days. So we need to manage that because they come from a period of a lot of load.

"We had two very, very high games. So if the schedule continues like that and they don't give us an extra day, we're going to have to do that, yes."

Arteta added: "I think it's been clicking for a while. If it clicks means to win it, then hopefully it is the year..."

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