Premier League newcomers Sheffield United are among the potential suitors for Arsenal youngster Auston Trusty following his successful loan in the Championship last season.
The USMNT midfielder is attracting interest from the Bramall Lane outfit as they gear up for their return to the top flight following his strong showings for Birmingham City last term. The 24-year-old has been something of a forgotten man at the Emirates Stadium following his move from Colorado Rapids a year ago.
He has failed to make a senior appearance for the Gunners, instead spending the first six months of his time on the books of the North London club in MLS before a temporary switch to St Andrews for last season. In total, he made 48 appearances in all competitions for the Blues and was named as the club's Player of the Season as they finished 17th in the table.
According to the Evening Standard, Paul Heckingbottom has earmarked the two-time international as he looks to bolster his numbers following their promotion back to the big time. He is not expected to get a free run at securing Trusty's services, though, with Ipswich Town and Swansea also interested in the player.
The Pennsylvanian-born star was named as part of Mikel Arteta's 29-man squad for the Premier League giants as they toured the US this summer, with the former MLS talent having returned to his homeland. Featuring at points during the whistle stop trip, he played 10 minutes in the 5-0 drubbing of the leading US league's All-Stars ensemble, while also taking part in the prior Skills Challenge.
He even was able to score the winning shot in the Crossbar Challenge activity against a mix-and-match of household names from MLS. However, it is possible that his time with the club may be coming to a close, with his path to first team minutes already blocked by a plethora of stars.
Previously, Trusty spoke of his desire to ignore any speculation concerning his future in North London, especially given the difficulties that playing alongside unfamiliar teammates can present. The star admitted that his experience with the club since joining in 2022 has not been ideal but he seemingly retains self-belief.
He said: "I'm not necessarily focused on any of that. I'm here now and I take it day by day and I'll just go to training and do my job, and any opportunity, I’ve got to come here and do my job. On the other side, it's being focused and taking it day by day and proving myself to the coaching staff and my teammates. You know, I'm still new to the team.
“It's been a grind, you know? But I think no matter what, as a player, as a person throughout life, you have to back yourself and you have to back to your ability and believe in yourself. I did it the entire time, from Philadelphia to Colorado to now."
He added: "I back myself and I believe in my play, I believe in my abilities and I believe in what I can do in the future. It just gets better and better, and you have to get more focused the higher you go. But it's been awesome and it's such a blessing. I'm so honoured to be in this position.”