Arsenal fancy signing Atletico Madrid right back Kieran Trippier before the transfer deadline – but he would prefer to sign for Manchester United.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim that Arsenal are keen to bring in a right back before the transfer window slams shut.
Hector Bellerin wants to leave, but the Gunners need to replace him – or offer him up in a swap deal for another right back.
One target is Trippier, with Arsenal keen to bring him back to North London just two years after leaving Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Trippier would prefer a move to Manchester United, most likely in order to be closer to his hometown of Bury.
The problem for both Arsenal and United is that Atletico are demanding both clubs pay the £51million release clause in his contract, offering up no discounts this close to the deadline.
Arsenal may hope to use Bellerin in a deal to bring the price down, but it sounds like Atletico are being very stubborn and sticking to the release clause.
Trippier turns 31 in September, so it’s unlikely that the Gunners will pay more than £50million to sign him.
Praised as a ‘defensive animal’ by Gareth Southgate, Trippier also offers great quality into the box, but Arsenal need to decide just how much they want him with a big price tag to pay.
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