Arsenal have many areas that they need to strengthen this summer, amongst those are at right back.
The Gunners are yet to make concrete progression in any deal for a new right-back though, with four currently still on their books. Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Cedric Soares, Calum Chambers and Hector Bellerin are all still at the club, but none of them have managed to impress consistently enough to cement a starting spot for the club.
Arteta has switched between them all at times during his tenure and it seems that he would like a new signing in that position.
The links to new right-backs had dried up somewhat, but in recent days a new name has emerged. The name of former Tottenham man and England international, Kieran Trippier.
At the weekend in an exclusive from The Sun, it was reported that Arsenal had made their move for Trippier. They reported that Trippier has been identified as an upgrade for Arsenal in that position and the 30-year-old could be sold by Atletico.
Trippier excelled for the Spanish La Liga champions last season but he has been heavily linked with a move back to England. Manchester United had been consistently mooted as a potential destination, but it appears they have pulled out, with Atletico demanding a fee of around £34million.
It’s hard to see Arsenal going that high for a player of his age. The Gunners have so far been targeting players with a lower age profile but Trippier’s quality and availability may change that.
Trippier is valued at £18million on transfermarkt, and a fee around that region sounds more sensible.
Arsenal have been boosted in their reported attempts to secure Trippier by the news that Manchester United have pulled out of the race, choosing to end their summer spending after the arrival of Raphael Varane is confirmed.
If Arsenal’s interest is in fact legitimate, United not being in the race will certainly help with negotiations in trying to reduce that £34million asking price.
Arsenal will need to try and find buyers for Bellerin and Maitland-Niles in order to free up funds and squad space to sign Trippier, or any other potential right-back this month.