Paul Heckingbottom says Arsenal centre-back Auston Trusty has had a medical with Sheffield United

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has told Radio Sheffield that Arsenal defender Auston Trusty has had a medical ahead of a move to join the Blades.

The United States international joined the Gunners from Colorado Rapids in January 2022 but remained on loan with the Major League Soccer club until July.

He spent last season on loan in the Championship with Birmingham City and made unofficial appearances for Arsenal against Nurnberg and MLS All-Stars last month.

Trusty was nowhere to be found during Tuesday’s training at the London Colney training base as the North London club prepared for the Emirates Cup game against Monaco, and the Blades manager has revealed why.

“I said I will give you my normal answer…,” Heckingbottom told Radio Sheffield on Tuesday night (via the Sheffield Star)

“But I think we are virtually there with that.

“He’s had a medical and we’re ready to go. It’s between the clubs.”

The American joined Arsenal for £1.5 million but has now been sold for £5m despite making no official appearance for the Gunners.

Trusty would have found himself behind Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior in the pecking order of center-backs had he opted to remain with the North London club.

He established himself as one of the best left-sided centre-halves in the Championship last term, emerging as Birmingham City Player of the Season.

The American will finally become a Premier League player in the coming days, and Sheffield United could make an official announcement confirming his arrival any moment from now.

More departures are expected at Arsenal before the summer transfer window shuts, and manager Mikel Arteta could look to bring in more players once players are sold.