Should Arsenal sign Trippier?

Should Arsenal sign England and Atletico Madrid star Kieran Trippier?

By Jonny Bray

In the past week, reports have begun emerging that suggest Arsenal might beat Manchester United to the signature of Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier.

Traditionally, his transfer to Arsenal would be interpreted as sacrilege.

When he left Tottenham in 2019, even his biggest fan would struggle not to give him the dreaded title of 

'reject'.

He scored just one goal and made no assists in a poor season in North London despite having a great deal of momentum coming out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

However, he has shown incredible character to revitalise his career in the Spanish capital, where he's become the first choice in his position and won the La Liga title on the final day of last season.

He's been touted as a potential option for Manchester United, who are believed to be hunting for a more attacking alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

However, with Hector Bellerin reportedly leaving the Emirates, Trippier appeared as an unlikely replacement for the 26-year-old Spaniard.

It would be an excellent and relatively cost-effective signing for Arsenal in many ways, but the move wouldn't come without its risks.

 

Why Arsenal should sign Trippier

 

First and foremost. Trippier is an excellent player.

He is often the forgotten man in England's elite cohort of modern right-backs.

However, he is arguably the best attacking option the Three Lions have when playing with three at the back.

His attacking output at Athletico Madrid was outstanding, registering six assists during the 2020/21 season in a relatively rigid defensive unit.

The season before, he recorded four assists, meaning he has ten assists for Atletico in 51 appearances, and during his time at Spurs, he assisted 14 goals in 69 Premier League games.

In short, he offers excellent attacking output while being flexible enough to operate in a back five or a back four.

Mikel Arteta is yet to settle on an established system, meaning it would make a lot of sense to purchase a player who can operate competently in both formations.

He is also available at an affordable price when you consider some of the fees being thrown around for far less experienced and proven full-backs over the last five years.

The rumoured price is between £25 and £35 million, £15 million less than a Benjamin Mendy, Achraf Hakimi, or Wan-Bissaka.

And his defensive record isn't as bad as many people made out during his first spell at Spurs.

His defensive improvements are, in part, because he has studied under the tutelage of a defensive mastermind in Diego Simeone for the past two seasons.

However, he was always a decent defender while playing in the Premier League.

 

Why Arsenal shouldn't sign Trippier

 

There are a few risky elements about this transfer other than Trippier's previous allegiance to Spurs.

Firstly, at 30 years old, Trippier is coming into the final five years of his career at the highest level.

This is an issue for three reasons.

Any significant injury could be the end of his career, he won't have any sell-on value, and this is likely to be his last big contract in professional football, meaning Arsenal can expect high wage demands.

Furthermore, it's quite possible that Simeone's defensive style has suited him and that he'll be wasted in a more expansive and attacking system.

Finally, Arsenal need to start thinking long-term.

While signing an experienced right-back like Trippier could be beneficial for the squad, it will only be a success if done as part of a broader transfer strategy that brings in younger players elsewhere.

Arsenal's recruitment team must start making plans for Trippier's inevitable departure as soon as possible to prevent there being a hole in the team in three or four years.

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