Arsenal have reportedly emerged as a potential destination for Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong.
It has been a fantastic summer transfer window for the Gunners so far, with Mikel Arteta’s side already sealing deals for Kai Havertz and imminently Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice. Regardless of enjoying an impressive 2022/23 Premier League season, there are many areas for Arteta to improve in—with the full-back unit majorly among those.
According to German outlet Sport Bild, Arsenal are considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong. They are willing to splash up to €40m for his services.
Frimpong, 22, rated as one of the top attack-minded full-backs in Europe, enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 season with Bayer Leverkusen, where he contributed to nine goals and 11 assists in 48 games across all competitions. The Dutchman, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months, revealed early this year that he wants to leave the club.
As a result, Bayer have signed Brazilian full-back Arthur from America Mineiro as a potential replacement.
Jeremie Frimpong to Arsenal—Should the Gunners make a move?
Mikel Arteta is close to bringing in one versatile full-back option in Jurrien Timber, who can also operate in central defence. But, it looks like he could still bring in another to bolster the full-back unit.
Ben White, predominantly a centre-back, excelled at right-back last season as he started 36 of 38 Premier League games. He also chipped in with two goals and five assists, and while those numbers are good, Arteta perhaps wants to add a natural offensive-minded right-back to his ranks to compete with White and Timber next term.
And the Gunners boss has seemingly set his sights on Jeremie Frimpong, who is considered a hot property in the Bundesliga after a spectacular campaign with Bayer Leverkusen. With nine goals and 11 assists last year, statistically Frimpong was one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe. With that in mind, it is not a surprise to see several top European clubs contending for his signature.
In Frimpong, Arsenal would get an extremely speedy and energetic wing-back/right-back that likes to bomb up and down the flank. He is a modern-day full-back with great passing and crossing ability. Creative and dynamic, the ex-Manchester City academy man could add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack from wide areas.
Going purely by his numbers, the 22-year-old would be an upgrade over White at right-back. And as he has largely thrived as a wing-back under Xabi Alonso at Bay Arena, Frimpong could actually provide much-needed cover for Bukayo Saka, who needs to be managed well after relentlessly playing for the Gunners and England in the last two years.
Undoubtedly, Frimpong has the potential to develop into a top full-back in the next few years. So, it would be a major coup of sorts if Arsenal got a deal for the Dutchman over the line in this transfer window.