Birmingham City are close to agreeing a deal with Arsenal to sign Auston Trusty on loan for the season for the defender’s first taste of English football after leaving Colorado Rapids.
That’s according to 90min, who note the Gunners intend to send Trusty to the Second City rather than welcome him to north London. Mikel Arteta wants the 23-year-old to adjust to the differences from Major League Soccer action away from the Emirates Stadium, at first.
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Arsenal secured Trusty’s transfer from Colorado Rapids this January, but agreed to let him stay at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on loan until the summer. That deal is now due to end, but Arteta and technical director Edu do not want to rush Trusty into the Premier League.
Arsenal close to agreeing Birmingham loan move for unseen signing Trusty
It has long been Arsenal’s intention for Trusty to secure a loan transfer in England before linking up with Arteta’s squad. Now, he should have the opportunity to learn the nuances of the English game with Birmingham after 114 career regular and post-season MLS outings.
The 6 ft 3 centre-half has also been named in USMNT sides in 2019 and 2021, but he is yet to debut. Trusty played regularly in the youth grades up to U23s level for his country. Now, the Pennsylvania native could hope to make his senior breakthrough whilst in Birmingham.
His efforts at St Andrew’s could also see Trusty return to Arsenal ready to establish his role under Arteta, should he impress on loan at Birmingham. The defender cannot make a first appearance for the Gunners or feature in a first squad until 2023 with the temporary deal.
Trusty arrives in England with strong MLS pedigree that earnt vast interest
Trusty will move to England with a strong pedigree following his efforts in MLS since 2018, though. Colorado Rapids executive VP & general manager Padraig Smith also revealed he attracted rival offers before joining Arsenal this January, given his performances stateside.
“Auston is coming off an exceptional season in 2021, in which he played a vital role in helping us finish atop the Western Conference for the first time in our history,” Smith told Colorado Rapids’ club website after agreeing to terms with Arsenal for Trusty’s transfer.
He added: “Auston’s outstanding performances caught the eye of several European clubs over the past 12 months.”
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