Alan Shearer’s admission speaks volumes about the strength of Arsenal’s squad following Mikel Arteta’s £260m spending spree.

Alan Shearer admitted that Arsenal’s new-look attack made him completely forget about Leandro Trossard. With the Gunners splashing out heavily this summer, Shearer found himself focusing on the latest arrivals rather than some of Mikel Arteta’s existing options.

Viktor Gyökeres came in from Sporting CP to solve Arsenal’s long-standing striker issue, while Eberechi Eze joined from Crystal Palace and Noni Madueke arrived from Chelsea to bolster the wings. Injuries to Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka in the 5-0 win over Leeds have already highlighted the need for Arteta’s squad depth, and Trossard stepped in for Saka at the Emirates.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer praised Arsenal’s strength in numbers: “Goodness me, look at the players they brought on. They brought Trossard on – I forgot about him. Then you’ve got Eze, Martinelli… the depth is incredible now. They have to go and win something big this season.”

The win against Leeds was also significant for Gyökeres, who opened his Arsenal account with two goals. Shearer explained how the team’s wingers could maximise the striker’s threat by delivering quicker, first-time crosses rather than overcomplicating play. Gary Lineker agreed, noting it would be a slight tactical shift but one Arsenal’s wide men are capable of making.

With Saka ruled out for around four weeks and Ødegaard a doubt for Anfield, Trossard looks set for more minutes. Alongside new signings and emerging talents like Ethan Nwaneri and 15-year-old Max Dowman, Arsenal’s depth will be tested – but Shearer believes they are now well equipped to handle it.