Arsenal transfer news as Mikel Arteta faces a hectic summer transfer window ahead of the Gunners' return to the Champions League
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be forced to make a number of difficult decisions when building his squad for the 2023/24 season.
However, the club have a number of players with uncertain futures awaiting further guidance after temporarily moving away from north London. One player who is expected to be sold is USMNT defender Auston Trusty.
The defender has spent the season on loan at Championship side Birmingham City, making 48 appearances and winning the clubs' Player of the Season award. Trusty joined the Gunners from MLS side Colorado Rapids - who are also owned by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke - as part of the American billionaire's vision to form a pathway between the two franchises while bolstering scouting operations in North America.
"I'm sure it definitely helped that the Kroenkes were there," Trusty previously said.
“If there is that relationship there you definitely want to take advantage of it, if that makes things smoother. It’s a business deal, so there is a lot of friction that goes on. If you can limit the amount of friction, then why not.”
The 24-year-old has already admitted his ambitions to play in the Premier League, which may mean he could leave Arsenal if opportunities are not forthcoming "As a player you want to play with the best, wherever that is," he said.
"Right now the Premier League is probably the best league in the world so that is obviously the goal for myself and my future."
Unfortunately for Trusty, his dream of playing in England's top flight for Arsenal are very slim, for a number of reasons. Firstly, Arteta already has a number of quality options at centre-back.
But perhaps the most difficult reason is the league ruling of overseas players. The rule states that each club is permitted a maximum of 17 'non-homegrown' players and Trusty faces tough competition to be among that list.