Transfer News: Atletico Madrid have a stiff stance regarding Chelsea target Kieran Trippier
According to Mirror, Atletico Madrid wouldn’t sell star defender Kieran Trippier without a fight amid strong interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Kieran Trippier has been consistent throughout the last few seasons for Los Colchoneros. After the English defender moved to the Spanish capital from Tottenham in 2019, he has been primarily utilized in deep defensive areas by Diego Simeone. He is still a top-notch player in this position even if he doesn’t enjoy the same attacking freedom in Spain as did in the PL. On top of that, the 31-year-old’s ability to play on both flanks is always a bonus.
Chelsea have faced big blows this season with the availability of first-choice full-backs. Left-back Ben Chilwell has been out since November and is now required to undertake a surgery that puts him out for the rest of the season. So, Chilwell will miss the remainder of the season.
On the other hand, Reece James has also suffered an injury recently and has been sidelined since. The situation has pushed Chelsea to target full-backs for both positions. It is believed that Blues are interested in signing Trippier. However, Thomas Tuchel’s camp has faced stiff competition from Newcastle United.
Now, it is believed that Atletico Madrid has no intention of selling the 31-year-old. According to Daily Express, Diego Simeone revealed that the former Burnley right-back is an essential asset for his team and it is claimed that the Spanish side will not give up on Trippier without putting up a fight.
“He is an important player for our team, and we coaches can’t do too much in terms of players’ decisions. We can only tell Trippier how important he is for the team.”
Chelsea are in desperate need of quality full-backs. Thomas Tuchel has been pushed to play the old generation full-back partnership of César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. Both players fared impressively against Liverpool but it remains to be seen if they have the legs and the pace to keep that form up on a regular basis.
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Trippier can be a useful inclusion in the team. But it is clear there would be obstacles. Apart from potential suitors, it would be a big task to convince his current team to let go of him.
Moreover, it remains to be seen what would happen to Trippier if he joins Chelsea and Chilwell, along with James, return to action to fight for places.