Arsenal still need to sign the ideal alternative for Gabriel Magalhaes at left centre-back, but the player must also be versatile to be available in other positions. Lisandro Martinez seemed to be the main target but a deal never managed to materialise.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal's priority was Martinez due to the 24-year-old's ability to play at centre-back and left-back. Martinez was reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, and Ajax are rumoured to have rejected a bid in the region of £25million.
However, Manchester United swooped in and signed the Argentine, which left the Gunners unable to sign a player in this position during the summer. Despite this, it seems that Arsenal could already have the ideal alternative in their ranks, as Auston Trusty continues to impress for Birmingham City.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta main Arsenal concern can be overturned with the return of Edu genius £30m solution
The USA international scored a wondergoal on Friday evening against Queens Park Rangers, which secured all three points for Birmingham. Trusty played in a centre-back role, and was pivotal in helping his side keep a clean sheet.
Two weeks ago he scored two first-half headers from set-pieces as Birmingham beat Bristol City, earning himself a place in the Championship team of the week alongside fellow Americans Ethan Horvath and Josh Sargent.
That was the game that truly alerted the wider public to Trusty’s rise but his progress has been well-documented around the club since the start of the season.
“When his loan was first announced he was very much an unknown quantity,” says Brian Dick, Birmingham City writer for the Birmingham Mail. “You didn’t have to look too hard to establish the fact he’d been doing well in MLS but how that would translate to the English Championship was unclear.
“Thirteen games in and it’s safe to say his transition has been seamless. On the pitch it’s already difficult to imagine a Blues defence without him, off it he has spoken about how he has settled into the area and the support he has received from inside and outside the club.”
Trusty has been operating, predominantly, as the left-sided centre-back in a back three. He has played every single minute available, making a strong impression on all-comers to St Andrews.
Back at Arsenal, Arteta’s defence has looked much more assured compared to previous seasons. The introduction of William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko to the side has enhanced the backline.
Despite the starting quartet of Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Zinchenko proving to be solid in the early weeks of the season, the understudies to these players still need addressing, especially the left-centre back role.
Gabriel was forced to start in the opening Europa League group stage tie against FC Zurich and then in the Gunners' first home match against FK Bodo/Glimt as Arsenal do not have another left-footed centre-back in the team who can replace the Brazilian, which could ultimately lead to fatigue later on in the season. But, Arteta could address this dilemma by giving Trusty a chance when he returns from his loan if he continues to impress for Birmingham.
READ NEXT:
What Jordan Henderson said to Gabriel Magalhaes during Arsenal win vs Liverpool amid FA findings
Arsenal hold distinct Edu advantage over Liverpool in race for Xavi Simons after PSV hint
Arsenal suffer fresh injury blow following Europa League defeat as Gabriel Magalhaes 'limps' off
Pep Guardiola's third favour for Mikel Arteta can solve Arsenal's £18m Thomas Partey problem
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
