Arsenal Pursuing Deal for Jeremie Frimpong in the Summer, Reports Suggest
Arsenal is reportedly delaying the signing of a new full-back this month as they focus on securing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong in the summer. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window, especially after recent setbacks that have seen them drop to fourth place in the Premier League table. While a new striker and central midfielder are also on Arteta’s agenda, bolstering the options at full-back is a priority.
Arteta’s plans for the season were disrupted when Jurrien Timber suffered an ACL knee injury in Arsenal’s first match of the campaign. With Takehiro Tomiyasu currently away at the Asian Cup and Oleksandr Zinchenko recovering from a calf injury, the need for a new full-back has become more pressing. However, Arteta is not willing to rush into a purchase and may wait until the summer to acquire his preferred target.
According to German newspaper Bild, that target is Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong. The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in European football, contributing five goals and six assists in the Bundesliga this season. While Frimpong may not fit Arteta’s typical mold for a full-back, Arsenal is aware of a relatively modest €40 million release clause in his contract.
However, this release clause only becomes active in the summer, and both Leverkusen and Frimpong are focused on challenging Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Arsenal is also keeping an eye on Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato, who can play as a left-sided center-back or left-back and is seen as an ideal complement to Timber.
While Hato may be an expensive option, especially in January, Arsenal’s limited funds for this month are likely to be directed towards signing a new striker. The club is also open to offers for Eddie Nketiah, who has attracted interest from a Premier League side.
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