Arsenal could add further depth to the left-hand side of their defence next season as Auston Trusty continues to take the Sky Bet Championship by storm.
The 24-year-old, signed from MLS side Colorado Rapids for around £1.7m in January, joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan following his arrival in the UK this summer.
Despite uncertainties about how the centre-back would adjust to English football, it appears to be a move paying off so far. Several impressive displays have already seen Trusty become a real fan favourite at St. Andrew's, with Blues fans even chanting the word 'USA' in response to the players' performances.
READ MORE: Two new Arsenal signings set for Europa League audition amid Smith Rowe and Saka injury concerns
'Auston Trusty is the greatest defender in the world. There's no doubt in my mind he can make that jump (to the Premier League),' one supporter tweeted after Birmingham beat Preston at the weekend. Another said: 'Special mention for Auston Trusty. Strong, calm and very quick. He dealt with Riis, Preston's biggest threat, manfully.'
Birmingham manager John Eustace has also been full of praise for Trusty. "Auston has been brilliant, his attitude is different class, he has stood up to the plate," he said. "He wants to learn. We are very fortunate to have him here."
When it comes to breaking into the Arsenal first team, Trusty knows it won't be easy but refuses to rule it out. "Being a player with Arsenal - you can't not factor that in," Trusty told America Soccer Now. "They are one of the biggest clubs, if not the biggest club in the world. I back myself. I believe in myself. There were other offers on the table, but when they came into the picture, that's a dream club for any kid in the world. It was kind of a no-brainer."
Considering Gabriel Magalhaes currently finds himself as the only natural left-sided centre-back at the club, there's no reason why Trusty can't fulfil his dream of representing the Gunners in the future if he continues to improve and impress. He offers athleticism and height, standing at 6ft 4in tall, while also being left-footed, which Mikel Arteta likes to have in a central defender.
READ NEXT:
Fabinho and Rodri transfer aim for 2023 Arsenal summer lands Mikel Arteta title target
Real Madrid's Champions League hero proved critical in helping Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus transfer
Why Arsenal are not playing in FC Zurich’s stadium as Granit Xhaka receive surprise advantage
Arsenal handed huge Thomas Partey injury boost as new return date set amid midfield crisis
Mikel Arteta maintains Pep Guardiola blueprint as Arsenal 'make £26m bid' for ex-Man City star
