Arsenal are reportedly looking to hijack Manchester United’s move for Atletico Madrid star Kieran Trippier as a replacement for outgoing defender Hector Bellerin.
According to the reports in The Sun, Arsenal have joined the race to sign Manchester United target Kieran Trippier and are preparing an official bid to secure the services of the England International.
Mikel Arteta is a firm admirer of the 30-year-old’s talent’s and is looking at him as a potential successor for Hector Bellerin, who is poised to depart the club after ten years at North London outfit, with Milan being one of the possible destinations for the Spanish full-back.
Trippier got his big-money move to Spanish giants Atletico back in 2019 after impressing Los Rojiblancos while plying his trade for Tottenham. His excellent crossing abilities and robust defensive nature have made him a trusted member of Diego Simeone’s side.
Trippier was earlier linked with a transfer to Old Trafford as Manchester United sought competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Negotiations started when he was representing England at Euros, but talks broke down due to United’s unwillingness to increase their offer more than £20 million, which fell short of Atleti’s valuation of £34 million. Even though the La Liga champions are in financial difficulties, they snubbed the offer without consideration.
Trippier is a bit traditional with his method but a top performer in his role. He is very good at overlapping and advancing the ball to deliver wonderful crosses with his wicked right foot. And though he is yet to register a goal in 53 appearances made for Atleti, he has racked up 11 assists.
Last season was a mixed bag for him at Wanda Metropolitano, as he was heavily criticized for his involvement in a betting scandal, owing to which he got a 10-week ban, which meant he missed the key part of the season. But he did come back and proved crucial to bring the La Liga title. Trippier also starred for England at Euros, with his solid displays playing a key role in their run to the final.
Arteta is orchestrating a major rebuild at Emirates by shifting the clubs’ poor recruitment upside down and bolstering the squad with quality and ability. The right flank has always been one of the weakest links in Arsenal’s first XI both defensively and offensively, so addressing it becomes their key priority.
Trippier would be a fine signing for Arsenal as he will provide the much needed defensive leadership and assurance at the back. His remarkable set-piece ability and crosses will come in handy for the Gunners, and above all, he will bring the experience and hunger in Arsenal’s relatively young backline.
Arsenal have already spent a major fortune in their summer spending’s, bringing in the likes of Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga. So bringing in a 30-year-old for the aforementioned £34 million figure might not be a sensible move from the club hierarchy and could come back to haunt them in the longer term. Arteta would be better off looking for other alternatives available in the market.
