At just £5m, Leeds have missed a trick as Heckingbottom closes in on Arsenal star

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Sheffield United are closing in on a move to sign Arsenal defender Auston Trusty after the American defender stole the show on loan at Birmingham City last summer – and he is exactly what Leeds need in the middle of defence.

Trusty, 24, joined Arsenal back in January 2022 after clocking north of 120 games for MLS clubs Philadelphia Union and Colorado Rapids. The USA defender went to Arsenal 18 months ago, joining Birmingham on loan last summer.

The defender was pivotal for Birmingham last season, playing a huge 48 games in league and cup. Mostly from centre-back, some times at right-back. Trusty was never bought by Arsenal to play – but to earn them a profit.

Now, the Sheffield Star claim Trusty is going to be in the Premier League next season – with Paul Heckingbottom’s Blades. A fee of £5m has been agreed and a deal is close to completion. So, have Leeds missed a trick on Trusty?

Sheffield United close in on Arsenal man Trusty: Exactly what Leeds need

Certainly, he starred for the Blues last season. Trusty won the Birmingham City Player of the Season award for last year, and that has seen him attract interest from Sheffield United and Rangers. Leeds have been linked with him too.

But not this summer. Indeed, Trusty recently told the Troy Deeney podcast that actually, he was close to completing a move to Leeds. But when Arsenal came calling, he chose to move to North London and play for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Leeds need a right-sided centre-back and Trusty was one of the best in his position last season – proven by winning his club’s POTS award. Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch have left. It leaves Charlie Cresswell.

That is not enough. Others have been linked in Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Liverpool’s Nat Phillips. Trusty at £5m would have been a superb bit of business, but it looks as if he will be in the top tier this term – with Heckingbottom’s side.