Manchester United have handed Arsenal a boost in Mikel Arteta’s chase of Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier by prioritising midfield arrivals, per the Manchester Evening News.
The Red Devils want to bring Trippier back to the Premier League this summer, two years after leaving Tottenham Hotspur. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is willing to keep Diogo Dalot as Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s backup after he and his staff offered the Portuguese solid praise.
Solskjaer has also pleased Dalot with his pre-season chances. AC Milan explored re-signing Dalot after he spent last term on loan at the San Siro. But the Rossoneri are yet to produce a tempting bid, which would allow Manchester United to advance their Trippier interest.
Manchester United are now prioritising adding depth to Solskjaer’s midfield over targeting Trippier, who Arsenal also want, per The Sun. Arteta views the England international as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin, should the Spaniard leave north London.
Arsenal sounded out Atletico Madrid’s demands to sell Trippier, who the La Liga champions value at £34m. Manchester United, meanwhile, would only pay £20m for the 30-year-old, who offered six assists in 28 league appearances last season.
The MEN add Trippier is still hopeful of joining United this summer and has made plans to relocate to Manchester. But his dream transfer to his boyhood side is on hold, until at least late-August, as Solskjaer eyes new midfielders. Handing Arsenal a big boost in their pursuit.
Manchester United hand Arsenal boost in Trippier pursuit
Manchester United focusing on midfielders and leaving Dalot and Trippier’s futures until late-August has handed Arsenal a big boost. Arteta and Technical Director Edu can now focus on securing favourable terms for Bellerin, before turning to signing Trippier.
Barring any further interest emerging, the Gunners may have a free run at raiding Atletico Madrid. But a £34m price tag is high for a 30-year-old full-back who earns £82,000-per-week on a contract expiring in 2023. Hence United’s £20m limit, despite what he can offer.
“He is a very underrated player,” England boss Gareth Southgate said of Trippier, via the Evening Standard, in June. “People are still looking at the player from a few years ago and not at the one who is at Atletico Madrid and playing like a warrior in the last few seasons.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
