Amongst the angst and frustration that the January transfer window brought Arsenal supporters, there were two deals to speak of regarding incomings to the senior squad. Although these will only become relevant in the summer.
Arsenal signed Auston Trusty from Colorado Rapids whilst it is understood that the club have agreed on a deal to sign New England Revolution and USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner in the summer.
Trusty has re-joined Rapids and will also remain with the side until the summer at which point, he will travel to London before a loan to a European side is expected to take place to further the centre-half’s development.
Interestingly, Stan Kroenke who owns Arsenal through his company Kroenke Sports Entertainment also owns the Colorado Rapids. The connection between the two sides likely brought about the move for Trusty.
Arsenal have seen plenty of talent move from North America across to Europe but have so far been reluctant to enter the frame themselves.
A number of players have visited London Colney for trials such as Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty of Toronto and Cole Bassett, another Rapids product, amongst others.
Could this first step, pioneered with Stan Kroenke’s Rapids side, be the start of much more business in the North American market with players who have already taken the step across the pond?
Arsenal have been linked with a number of American and Canadian players.
Notably Lille striker Jonathan David. Despite the Canadian never having played in the MLS, moving to Gent before a big-money move to Ligue 1, David has represented his national side on many occasions and leads the line. Edu met with the player's agent in December but no winter move occurred.
RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams has too been linked with Arsenal and the club were reportedly considering activating the midfielder's £32.5m release clause back in November ahead of the winter window.
No move has yet happened for either player but this shift in tactic from the club could hint towards players of this ilk becoming a far likelier probability in the near future.
The MLS continues to improve its development and new teams are emerging. Canada has recently created the Canadian Super League or CSL, which will allow greater funding for the development of the sport in the nation.
North America will become an even more attractive market to acquire the world’s best footballing talents and Arsenal cannot afford to miss out. There may be frustration now, rightly so, but some of the work done this winter may precede future successes.
Make sure you have subscribed to The Arsenal Way! The Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Arsenal content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews. You can follow Tom Canton from the TAW team to keep up to date with his work.
