Arsenal still optimistic of signing La Liga defender

Arsenal remain optimistic about their chances of landing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid this month.

The Gunners are likely to sell or loan out Hector Bellerin in the coming days, and they are keen to find a suitable replacement.

Trippier has emerged as the prime target, but the £34m release clause on the player's contract remains a big stumbling block.

According to Sport, the Gunners are still actively pursuing the right-back, who was previously with London rivals Tottenham.

Trippier has less than two years left on his existing contract. He has been on the bench for Atletico in recent La Liga games.

The Gunners are hoping that the defender will push for an exit, and boost their chances of signing him for a lesser fee.

The north Londoners are reluctant to pay more than £20m for Trippier, who provided six assists in La Liga last season.

The club have also been linked with Norwich City's Max Aarons, but the cost remains a prime concern. He is valued at £35m.