Arsenal ace ‘closing in’ on transfer amid Birmingham City and Rangers interest

Arsenal defender Auston Trusty has reportedly reached an agreement to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer amid interest from Birmingham City, Rangers and Sheffield United.

The United States international has had opportunities to impress Mikel Arteta in pre-season following a successful season-long loan spell with Birmingham in the Championship.

Trusty was named Blues’ Player of the Season after missing just two league matches throughout the entirety of 2022/23. He also contributed four goals in that period.

Due to how vital he was for Birmingham both at centre-back and left-back, John Eustace was keen to bring him back on a permanent deal, but competition then emerged.

Scottish Premiership runners-up Rangers have been widely reported to have an interest, meanwhile Premier League newbies Sheffield United have entered the scene.

Much to the dismay of Birmingham, the Blades have reportedly managed to make a breakthrough as they look to bolster their back line ahead of a tricky top-flight season.

Reliable Blades reporter Darren Smith claims Paul Heckingbottom’s side have agreed to sign Trusty from Arsenal, with a fee in the region of £5 million in place to pry him away.

It’s reported that although personal terms are yet to be put in place, they’re expected to be agreed upon easily in the coming days, ending a 19-month stay with the Gunners.

Birmingham and Rangers will have to act immediately if they want any chance of hijacking the deal but they will almost certainly be put off by having to pay in excess of the £5 million stated.

Still just 24 years of age, Trusty has proven himself as a reliable, physical, speedy and versatile defender. He’s has just one USMNT cap to his name but is expected to gain plenty more.