Rangers Football Club have identified Arsenal’s 23-year-old defender Auston Trusty as a key summer transfer target, according to reports in the British media.
The Daily Mail claims that the Scottish giants are eager to sign the American centre-back for around £2 million.
Trusty, who was born in Pennsylvania, has spent this season on loan at Birmingham City where his impressive performances have caught the eye of Rangers manager Michael Beale.
The left-footed defender has made a seamless transition to the physicality of the English Championship, starting 41 of Birmingham’s 46 league games.
His commanding and composed displays led to him being named the Supporters’ Player of the Season.
Birmingham had hoped to sign Trusty on a permanent deal but may struggle to compete with Rangers, who are looking to strengthen their backline.
Filip Helander is expected to depart Ibrox this summer, leaving a vacancy for a left-sided central defender to provide competition for Ben Davies.
The 6ft 3in Trusty appears an ideal candidate and would follow in the footsteps of several Americans who have represented the Light Blues, including Maurice Edu, Carlos Bocanegra and DaMarcus Beasley.
Arsenal only signed Trusty last year in a surprise move, with owner Stan Kroenke’s links to both clubs facilitating the transfer.
However, first-team opportunities have been limited for Trusty, prompting his loan to Birmingham. He has also earned his first senior cap for the U.S. Men’s National Team, with more call-ups likely if he establishes himself at Rangers.
Auston Trusty emerges as key defensive target
Trusty seems poised for a move to Glasgow to ply his trade for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.
While Arsenal may be reluctant to sell so soon, the lure of regular football at Ibrox could prove decisive for a player entering his peak years.
Rangers will be hopeful that Trusty can replicate his commanding and composed performances in Birmingham’s blue for their traditional royal blue.
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