Atletico Madrid insist the only way Manchester United and Arsenal can sign Kieran Trippier is by paying the €60 million release clause in his contract.
According to Spanish publication AS, Atletico Madrid are adamant on their stance over Kieran Trippier, suggesting he is not for sale this summer. The Spanish champions have pointed towards the full-back’s €60 million release clause, and meeting it would be the only way to sign the England international.
In a big blow for Arsenal and Manchester United, Trippier could stay at Atletico this summer. The full-back had attracted interest from both Premier League giants. However, agreeing a fee with Atletico could be next to impossible, as the Spanish champions are demanding suitors pay the full-back’s release clause.
The clause set at €60 million could be the only way Trippier could leave Atletico. Arsenal would know the meaning of this message, with their experience while pursuing Thomas Partey last summer as Los Rojiblancos refused to entertain offers or discussions, forcing the Gunners to pay the Ghanaian’s £45 million exit clause.
Manchester United initially showed an interest when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted added competition to Aaron Wan-Bissaka but has seemingly decided to keep Diogo Dalot this summer, although links with Trippier refuse to go away. Arsenal, meanwhile, were exploring the idea of a swap deal with Atletico involving Hector Bellerin.
The Gunners were also prepared to make an offer without any part exchange. However, with the north London side experiencing difficulties selling current players, a move can only materialise after they are successful on that front. Arsenal currently have Bellerin, Calum Chambers, Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in their ranks as options for the right-back slot.
Trippier has become a key component in Diego Simeone’s system. The former Tottenham full-back was instrumental in helping Atletico win the La Liga last season, and the side seemingly struggled when he was absent during a period last season.
His league form also saw Gareth Southgate call him to the England squad for the Euros, where he had a fantastic tournament. Simeone would certainly like to keep him on for the new season, as the club have maintained their stance over the player throughout the summer.
As things stand, the only way anyone can sign Trippier would be by paying the €60 million release clause in his contract. The Premier League clubs will be wary of paying such a huge fee for a player who turns 31 years old in September.
These are clear indications that a discussion over Trippier returning to the Premier League are over, and he can look forward to helping Atletico retain the domestic title. As for Manchester United and particularly Arsenal, they will have to find an alternative target fast, given the transfer window shuts in under two weeks.
