Atletico Madrid have reminded sides such as Arsenal and Manchester United they must activate Kieran Trippier’s €60 million (£51 million) release clause if they want to sign him, according to AS.
What’s the story?
The Gunners and Red Devils are reportedly the two most interested parties in the England international.
The Gunners are weighing up the possibility of offering Hector Bellerin as part of a swap deal, according to The Athletic.
Bellerin wants to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer and is even willing to take a pay cut to secure a transfer.
As a result, the Gunners are looking for a right-back – and Trippier’s name has emerged on their hit-list.
It would prove a controversial signing after the former Burnley man’s stint with arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The 30-year-old made more than 100 appearances for Spurs before leaving in 2019.
Why Trippier would be a terrible signing if Arsenal activate his £51m release clause
A right-back is most definitely an important acquisition for Arsenal this summer.
Despite having four options, none of the quartet stands out ahead of the others in terms of securing a starting place. It highlights the low level of quality possessed by all four players – Bellerin, Cedric Soares, Calum Chambers and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
But is activating the £51m release clause Trippier has in his contract a worthwhile deal?
At 30 years old, you would have to say no.
Signing the former Spurs man would go against everything the club has carried out in the transfer market recently.
During the past few years, signing young players has been the modus operandi for the north Londoners. Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares have been the additions this summer, all are under 24 years of age.
And while he possesses great quality in the final third, is Trippier going to be that much better than Arsenal’s current options at right-back?
Trippier averaged more fouls per game last season than Chambers, Maitland-Niles, Soares and Bellerin.
Regardless, his price tag and age make Trippier a far from suitable signing for Arsenal this summer.
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