Arsenal: 6 right-back transfer targets ahead of deadline

5. Kieran Trippier – Atletico Madrid

Age: 30
Contract expiry: 2023
Rumoured fee: £50m or swap

£50m….or a swap?

It’s an interesting scenario ongoing, as there is quite some disparity between a considerable outlay such as that and a swap, not least since the player being swapped is Bellerin.

Manchester United had tried to bring Kieran Trippier back to the Premier League to no avail, seeing a £10m bid rejected as Atletico held out for closer to £35m. Now deciding to stick to the defender’s release clause of £50m, it is interesting that proposed swap moves have come to light.

The Athletic mentioned that it was an idea in the offing between Arsenal and Atletico (with nothing advanced) – and it’s one that should stay as mere speculation.

At 30 years old, Trippier signing for Arsenal would be entirely against the recruitment policy across this window. It would be another ageing player on big wages who may not be contributing anywhere near what he will be getting paid for when he’s 32 or so years old.

An excellent distributor both in live play and with dead balls, as well as a strong tackler, there is no denying the positive aspects of Trippier’s ability. It just goes against all the squad building methods put in place so far.