Arsenal are reportedly in talks with RB Leipzig full-back Benjamin Henrichs’ representatives ahead of a potential summer move.
The north London outfit have already penned a deal with Kai Havertz, and with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber set to be announced imminently, Mikel Arteta has shifted his attention towards reinforcing his full-back options. He wants to bring in a full-back who can play on both the left and right side of defence, thus, Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo has emerged as a top target for the Spanish tactician.
Given the asking price and competition for Cancelo’s services, Arteta and the Gunners have started scouring the market for alternative options. According to German newspaper Kicker, Arsenal are interested in signing Benjamin Henrichs from RB Leipzig.
Henrichs, 26, had an impressive season with RB Leipzig, as he made 44 appearances and contributed four goals and three assists. He demonstrated his versatility by playing in multiple positions, including right-back, left-back, and even in midfield, helping Leipzig win the DFB-Pokal title last month.
Having become an integral member of Marco Rose’s side, the Bundesliga club don’t want to lose Henrichs after the departures of Christopher Nkunku and Dominik Szoboszlai. So, it will be a tricky deal for Arsenal to complete.
Benjamin Henrichs to Arsenal—Right option?
Mikel Arteta wants a new full-back to compete with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu next season, and he has set his sights on Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.
Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at Bayern Munich after falling out with Man City manager Pep Guardiola. The Portuguese had a €70m purchase option included in his loan deal but Bayern’s not to trigger it means he is still a City player. Arteta has made Cancelo his No.1 target to bolster Arsenal’s full-back options, although he has lined up contingency plans just in case the club fails to thrash out a deal with Man City.
Benjamin Henrichs has emerged as an alternative target to Cancelo, with Arteta seemingly impressed with the 26-year-old’s versatility to operate on either side of the defence and in the middle of the park. He has contributed to 66 career goal contributions over 327 appearances in his senior career so far, having an eye for a pass as well as being a reliable commodity in defence.
The German international has the ability to venture into midfield and dictate the flow of games from central areas. Like White and Zinchenko, he will be capable of contributing to Arsenal’s offensive play while being defensively solid when required. All in all, Henrichs certainly fits the bill Arteta is looking for this summer.
Thus, if Arsenal fails to land Cancelo, Henrichs would be a good fall-back option.