Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid if the Spanish side lower their asking price.
According to the Sun, the Gunners don’t want to pay the £34m asking price the La Liga champions are demanding for Trippier. The right-back wants to return to England this summer, but Arsenal are not willing to match Atleti’s fee.
The Gunners are eager to sign a right-back with a week of the transfer window left to go. Trippier is an option for Arsenal, but Manchester United are also keen on the former Tottenham star.
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Trippier has not started in Atletico’s opening two La Liga matches and there is a strong expectation that the defender will leave the Spanish capital this window. Arsenal are keen, but face an uphill struggle to sign the fullback.
As per the report, Atletico still hold some resentment towards Arsenal after how they approached the Thomas Partey signing last summer. The Gunners made an eleventh-hour offer for the midfielder after triggering his release clause.
Insider’s View: Trippier deal is perfect if Arsenal can lower the fee
There’s no denying that Trippier would be an outstanding addition to the Arsenal squad this summer. But the Gunners are right to ask Atletico to demand a lower fee for the England international.
The former Burnley defender will be 31 soon, and a £34m fee for a player of Trippier’s quality and age is simply too much for Arsenal to sanction. However, the Gunners have made some questionable decisions already this summer.
Indeed, it would be very on-brand for Mikel Arteta and Edu to succumb to Atletico’s demands for Trippier. But with time running out, the Arsenal duo must decide whether to fight this battle or move on to another cheaper and younger right-back target.