Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a key target for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
West Ham skipper Declan Rice and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are set to join Kai Havertz at the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners’ spending won’t stop there. It is understood that Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new right-back, with Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo and RB Leipzig Benjamin Henrichs among the options on the Arsenal wishlist.
Jeremie Frimpong, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months, is now being considered by the Gunners. The Dutchman, 22, enjoyed an exceptional season with Bayer Leverkusen, contributing to nine goals and 11 assists across all competitions from the right-back/wing-back position. He has the potential to develop into a top full-back in the future.
Following his eye-catching performances in the Bundesliga, Arsenal have reportedly initiated discussions with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Frimpong. The Bundesliga club have slapped a €50 million price tag on the full-back’s back.
Mikel Arteta keen to bring competition for Ben White?
Mikel Arteta is eyeing a specialist right-back this summer to challenge Ben White for a spot in Arsenal’s starting XI next term. White was deployed as a full-back last season and he performed admirably well, starting 36 of 38 Premier League games. He bagged two goals and five assists, and while those numbers are good, he lacked the attacking nous of a natural full-back.
Thus, the Gunners boss is eyeing a summer swoop for Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong. Rated as one of the top attacking-minded full-backs in Europe, Frimpong is an exceptionally quick player who could add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack with his dynamism, energy and creativity. He has largely thrived as a wing-back under Xabi Alonso, causing havoc against the opposition with his explosive pace and overlapping runs from the right flank.
Due to his attacking flair and directness, Frimpong could actually provide much-needed cover for Bukayo Saka, who has played relentlessly for the Gunners in the last two seasons. The ex-Celtic man has the ability to venture into midfield and dictate the flow of games from central areas. Like Oleksandr Zinchenko, he will be capable of contributing to Arsenal’s attacking play from the other side of the defence.
As White and Tomiyasu are defensively secure options at right-back, signing a player of Frimpong’s attacking qualities would be a great blend for Arteta to have in the squad. The Dutch wing-back’s arrival would undoubtedly bring much-needed variation to Arteta’s tactics, freshness and vitality he seems ready to provide.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
