Arsenal reportedly want £34m-rated La Liga star that Martin Keown once labelled ‘absolutely magnificent’

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Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier, despite his Tottenham Hotspur past. The future of Hector Bellerin continues to remain a doubt and Arsenal need to replace him. A verdict from Martin Keown on Trippier will surely excite Arsenal fans.

Trippier, 30, joined Atletico from Tottenham in the summer of 2019. The England Euro 2020 finalist left Spurs as the North London club’s chances of winning silverware decreased. It has paid off. Trippier was brilliant for Atleti last season, helping them beat Barcelona and Real to the La Liga title.

Now, The Sun claim Arsenal want Trippier and are willing to pay £20million – with Bellerin expected to leave The Emirates. Atletico want £34million. Back in 2017, Keown was full of praise for the ex-Burnley defender. He labelled Tripper “absolutely magnificent”.

Speaking on MOTD, as per the Mail, Keown said: “I really like the core of those English players, Dier, Harry Kane, Walker, even Trippier. I’d be putting him in the England squad, perhaps ahead of Clyne, because when he comes in he is absolutely magnificent.”

Trippier hugely improves Arsenal defence amid Keown verdict

Bellerin is excellent going forward, but the Spain international is poor defensively and is hugely injury prone. Arsenal need an improvement on their number two and Trippier is just that. His 11 assists in 68 appearances for Atleti shows he is good going forward – but he is ideal, defensively.

Indeed, he remains a crucial part of Gareth Southgate’s side because of his defensive attributes. But he also adds assists and freedom to a right winger, which could be Nicolas Pepe. His ability from set-pieces is another weapon that Mikel Arteta badly needs. Trippier is a big improvement on Bellerin.