Arsenal preference emerges amid FFP concerns as Sheffield United talks opened for Rangers target Auston Trusty
Arsenal have opened talks with Sheffield United over a loan deal for Auston Trusty after transfer interest from Rangers, but they would prefer to sell him due to FFP “concerns”, Mail Plus reports.
Michael Beale has been after another centre-back this summer to add to the extensive work he has already done in the transfer market, and has pursued deals for both Trusty, 24, and Nottingham Forest’s Jonathan Panzo, 22.
Despite success in most of his endeavours during the window the two defenders have proven too expensive so far, with Panzo coming closest to a deal.
Now, the promoted Premier League Blades have started negotiations to sign American Trusty on another loan, after he spent last season with Birmingham City.
But according to Simon Jones for Mail Plus (31 July): “Arsenal would ideally prefer a sale for Trusty. They need to raise funds to offset their spending and quell FFP concerns.”
The Gunners have spent heavily this summer on West Ham captain Declan Rice, Ajax’s Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz from Chelsea.
Lost cause?
With defence suddenly looking shaky again in the final preseason friendlies amid the latest absences for Ben Davies and John Souttar the Rangers boss is likely to be moved to push for another option with greater effort.
He brought in Leon Balogun on a free transfer in the wake of Leon King’s injury, but the veteran Nigerian international is injury-prone himself.
The central options at Ibrox would be a formidable group if all of them weren’t so often ruled out, with top man Connor Goldson himself currently recovering from injury.
But how far the transfer budget will still stretch after millions were shelled out in attack on Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Danilo is unclear.
With Arsenal having spent over £200m this summer it is perhaps no surprise that Rangers were priced out of a move for Trusty earlier this summer, if the London side were looking to help balance the books.
Even allowing for amortisation it would be a drop in the ocean to bring in a few million in return, but if they are facing another loan move the door may just be ajar if Beale wants to make a splash.
A Premier League side may be able to outbid Rangers even just on a loan fee however, so unless the Light Blues can shift a few players for decent fees it looks like this one might be out of reach, and perhaps Panzo comes back to the fore before the deadline.
In other Rangers news, talks are still on to send one exit-bound Ibrox ace to England in a deal which might help bolster the transfer budget.