‘Make an impact’: £21m Arsenal star sends message to Mikel Arteta that he’s ‘ready’ to start matches now

Competition for places at Arsenal is rife right now, and with Mikel Merino soon to be through the door, that’s exactly how Mikel Arteta wants it.

Arteta once claimed that David Raya had arrived at Arsenal merely to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale – they were both supposedly neck and neck for the number one spot.

That quickly felt a little disingenuous, Raya had arrived as Arsenal’s new starter.

However, across the rest of his squad, Arteta has been very willing to share out chances, he doesn’t want any player becoming too comfortable.

And although Real Sociedad are frustrated with Arsenal about the Merino deal right now, it should be completed.

Once Merino arrives, the Spaniard could immediately disrupt the midfield Arsenal fans enjoyed against Aston Villa – Thomas Partey’s days could be numbered.

Of course, in terms of players who could also be on the chopping block, Gabriel Martinelli failed to do enough against Villa to justify his inclusion in the eleven over Leandro Trossard.

Leandro Trossard doesn’t want to sit on the Arsenal bench for much longer

Gary Neville could barely believe how good Trossard was when he came on for Arsenal in the second half, a true match-winning performance.

And when speaking to NBC Sports after Saturday’s 2-0 win, of which the £21m-winger scored the opening goal, Trossard said he was ready to start now.

Trossard was initially asked whether it was frustrating being a substitute, and was pressed to share whether he’s happy with that role long-term.

The Arsenal forward said he had ‘done his job’ against Villa and was now ‘ready’ to start for Arteta in the coming matches.

Trossard said: “I think everyone wants to start games and play obviously, and then it’s up to the player how they respond.

“I always want to make an impact off the bench or as a starter so I think I’ve done my job today to help the team.

“Yeah, there’s not a lot more I can do in that aspect, so I just want to help the team if it’s off of the bench or a starter.

“I’m ready for the next coming games.”

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Of course, it’s pretty apt that Arsenal face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates next – Trossard’s old side.

And in truth, it would be a huge surprise if the Belgian wasn’t picked by Arteta.