By Anthony Onifade

21st May, 2023 | 8:10am

Rangers could be signing off on perfect Connor Goldson partner in Auston Trusty as transfer news emerge

Rangers are reportedly preparing to tie up another new transfer in Arsenal defender Auston Trusty and Beale may well have located the perfect defensive partner for Conor Goldson.

The Scottish Daily Mail has reported in its print edition [17 May, pg 68] that Michael Beale is ready to get that deal over the line alongside Kieran Dowell and another defender, Dujon Sterling.

Trusty looks set for the move to Ibrox after enjoying a terrific season on loan at Birmingham, having not made a single appearance for Arsenal since he arrived from the MLS.

Trusty’s parent club Arsenal are believed to be open to negotiations this summer, according to the Scottish Daily Mail, leaving the door wide open for Beale to come in and secure his much-needed defensive addition for next season.

The Gers boss admitted during the week that he is desperate to add to his centre-back quota for next season and now looks to have backed up that promise with this stunning potential transfer.

Fans have certainly seen in recent months how lacklustre Rangers have been without Goldson’s presence at the back, with both Ben Davies and John Souttar giving away cheap goals through terrible and needless errors in defence.

Both players have arguably fared better than expected because of Goldson sitting next to them at centre-back but seem to terribly struggle when he isn’t present in the team.

In order for Rangers to significantly improve next season, Beale is going to need a durable, quality and assured partner for his main man and Trusty fits the bill perfectly for what he’s trying to build at Ibrox.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough campaign in Birmingham colours this season, forming the backbone of a largely solid defence in the Championship.

Helping them to 13 clean sheets this season, the American international also impressively averaged 1.5 interceptions, 2.3 tackles and a whopping 4 clearances per game, also winning 57% of his total duels, 59% of his ground duels and 56% of his aerial duels [via SofaScore] highlighting his capabilities as a terrific and effective no-nonsense defender.

Not only will Trust provide tremendous help for Goldson in defence, but he’d also provide invaluable cover when Goldson isn’t present in the team, given his worrying injury record.

Goldson simply can’t play throughout a 40+ game season any longer which forces Beale to start seeking out long-term replacements for next season, locating a player capable of immediately coming in and providing a swift impact. Trusty is that man.

The 24-year-old will not only provide much-needed quality on the pitch but real leadership and authority in the Gers dressing room, which could ultimately prove crucial for their title-winning mentality next season.

Beale desperately needs characters and communicators in his squad and recruiting players in Trusty’s ilk will go a long way in superbly refining his squad and building a strong foundation to fully challenge Celtic next season.

Given Trusty’s qualities and readiness for the next level, Beale shouldn’t think twice about adding him to his defensive quota as an attractive and unbreachable partnership at the heart of the Rangers defence with Goldson could well be on the cards at Ibrox.

The Light Blues faithful should be delighted at the sight of that partnership.

In other Rangers news, Sky Sports journalist Alison Conroy shares a ‘nothing to play for’ verdict ahead of the clash with Hibs at Easter Road.