Arsenal could be unlikely key to Man Utd’s Kieran Trippier summer transfer hopes
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The future of Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin could prove critical in Manchester United’s summer pursuit of Kieran Trippier. Atletico Madrid have placed a hefty price tag on Trippier but could loosen their stance if a suitable replacement is acquired.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly prioritised four areas of his squad to strengthen during the summer transfer window.
Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho is United’s first-choice target, while Solskjaer also wants reinforcements at right-back, centre-back, and central midfield.
The Red Devils reportedly deem Declan Rice as their ideal midfield target but understand he’ll be difficult to lure away from West Ham United this year.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and Villarreal’s Pau Torres are the two primary candidates to partner with Harry Maguire next season.
And at right-back, well… that’s where Arsenal come in.
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According to Marca, Atletico sporting director Andrea Berta has followed Bellerin closely for a long time.
However, the La Liga champions won’t be able to sign the 26-year-old unless they offload a right-back currently in their squad.
If Atletico are desperate to sign Bellerin, who seems to be on his way out of Arsenal one way or another, they may be tempted to find a compromise with United for Trippier.
Sime Vrsaljko and Santiago Arias are the other right-backs in Diego Simeone’s squad, but Trippier is thought to be the only subject of concrete interest.
Bellerin hasn’t featured regularly under Mikel Arteta and has subsequently been tipped to leave the Emirates Stadium after 10 years this summer.
According to the Daily Mail, Lille’s Zeki Celik and Everton’s Jonjoe Kenny are on the Gunners’ transfer radar as potential replacements.
The Spaniard is reportedly open to returning to his home nation ahead of the 2021/22 season, and a switch to the Wanda Metropolitano makes sense.
However, if Trippier isn’t sold, it’s unlikely Los Rojiblancos will be able to move for his services.
After Atletico rejected United’s opening offer for Trippier worth less than £20million, it remains to be seen whether the Premier League will go back in for him.
Aged 30, spending over £20m on Trippier whilst funds are already depleted due to the COVID-19 pandemic would present a significant risk.
United may be able to snatch themselves an enticing deal if Atletico’s desire to sign Bellerin grows throughout the transfer window, though.
It seems like Solskjaer’s preference is to secure Sancho and a new centre-back first, though, with the process likely to pick up once Euro 2020 is finished.
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