Manchester United hold the edge over Arsenal in the race to land Atletico Madrid star Kieran Trippier
According to The Telegraph, Manchester United are leading the race to land Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier this summer, with Arsenal also interested in the Englishman.
The 30-year-old has been with the Spanish champions for two years now and played a major role in their La Liga triumph last season. Trippier made 37 appearances in all competitions last season and was also named in the La Liga 2020/21 Team of the Year.
He remains a potent player despite his age and would add a new dimension to United at right-back. As things stand, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the club’s first-choice player in the position and an automatic starter when fit.
But the youngster, for all his defensive nous, is as good as a chocolate teapot when it comes to attacking. In an era where attacking wing-backs have been redefining the position, United are still behind the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and even Chelsea in that aspect.
Adding Trippier would certainly change that. The 30-year-old isn’t just an excellent option in attack but is also a mean taker of set pieces. There is every chance of him forming a formidable attacking duo on our right with newbie Jadon Sancho.
United have been linked to the player all summer and even made a £10million offer for his services. It was shot down by Atletico, who are seeking a rather extravagant £51m instead. It represents a significant value for a player who will have little to no resale value in the coming years.
Arsenal are another team in the fray and could make use of the Englishman to replace Hector Bellerin. Their efforts, however, appear to have hit a brick wall as the player does not appear too keen to move to the Emirates.
Trippier, for his part, is ready to return to England but would prefer to move to Old Trafford if given a choice. An understandable decision given that he came through the Manchester City youth system and is already familiar with the city.
The Red Devils are aware of the player’s interest and could be encouraged to return with an improved bid. Whether it will be enough to convince Atletico to sell remains to be seen.
Having already landed Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, United have enjoyed a good summer so far. Bringing in Trippier in the coming days will certainly elevate it to an excellent one.
