Arsenal 'set to green light transfer' for defender who is yet to feature under Mikel Arteta

Arsenal will allow central defender Auston Trusty to leave the club this summer, it has been reported.

Trusty signed for the Gunners in January 2022 from Colorado Rapids, alongside fellow MLS star Matt Turner, although spent the remainder of the season back on loan at the club.

Following his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, the 24-year-old was swiftly loaned to Championship side Birmingham City, where he spent the entire season.

The Blues' campaign was punctuated by financial issues, with the club announcing a pre-tax loss of £24.8 million for the financial year ending June 30, 2022.

That meant transfer funds were limited for manager John Eustace, with most deals only completed following sales of existing players.

Trusty was one player they did manage to bring in on loan, however, and he had a successful season at St. Andrew's. The American won the club's Men's Player of the Season award, as voted for by supporters.

His performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs - and Arsenal are reportedly ready to sell him on without having made a senior appearance for the Gunners.

Arsenal set to allow defender to leave

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are willing to accept an offer for Trusty this summer to allow the defender to leave the club permanently.

Scottish giants Rangers are reportedly interested in signing him, as per the same outlet, with manager Michael Beale looking to recruit defensive cover and competition for existing centre-backs Connor Goldson and ex-Liverpool player Ben Davies.

Along with his defensive qualities, Trusty also offers a goal threat, scoring on four occasions in 44 Championship appearances this season.

But he appears not to have a future at Arsenal, even though he is a left-footed centre-back.

The Gunners now have strength in depth in that role, with both Gabriel Magalhaes and new signing Jakub Kiwior able to play on the left side of defence for manager Mikel Arteta.

In a club statement announcing Trusty's signing, Arsenal stated that their intention was to loan the American out 'to further progress his development' this campaign - and it appears that Rangers may be able to profit from the improvements the defender has made at Birmingham.