Arsenal could replicate their Jurrien Timber masterclass by signing Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong.
Jurrien Timber was one of several shrewd summer acquisitions that Mikel Arteta made in the summer, arriving from Dutch giants Ajax for £38m.
After making a positive impression for the Gunners in pre-season, the versatile defender – who can play anywhere across the back – was expected to become a revelation at the Emirates Stadium.
His pace, physical strength and excellence on the ball meant he was tailor-made to adapt to Arteta’s tactical demands.
However, on the opening day of the campaign, he went down with a serious injury against Nottingham Forest and that was a significant blow as Timber may not play for the club again this season.
With Arteta currently light on defensive options given the injuries to Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Timber, the Spaniard is in the market for another Dutch dynamo.
According to reports, the Gunners want to trigger Jeremie Frimpong’s release clause of £35m to provide exceptional cover in defence and midfield.
An attacking right-back by trade, Frimpong has been sensational for Xabi Alonso this season, and he could be an option for Arsenal in January as they attempt to avoid another injury-related collapse in the title race.
Jeremie Frimpong could be Jurrien Timber 2.0
In Leverkusen’s pursuit of the Bundesliga title, Frimpong has been nothing short of remarkable, having recorded an impressive six goals and nine assists across all competitions this term.
Dubbed as “enormously dangerous” by journalist Dennis Melzer, the 23-year-old has provided devastating ammunition down the right flank.
Frimpong possesses the searing pace, low centre of gravity and superb close control to be a menace against any opponent and has combined all three to become the most potent attacking full-back in Europe.
Despite operating in that position for the German giants, Arsenal reportedly want to sign him to play in midfield, and that is where he would show the versatility of his Dutch compatriot, Timber.
Although he’s predominantly played as an attacking right back across his career, he’s displayed the metrics this season that suggest he can provide cover for or all three of Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Declan Rice.
When comparing his statistics to midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues in the past year, he ranks in the top 2% for successful take-ons, top 1% for progressive carries and top 7% for key passes per 90, as per FBref.
This shows he’s comfortable at carrying possession through the thirds and can pick out a telling final ball in the final third.
Much like Timber, it’s this positional versatility, in particular, that makes Frimpong an absolute bargain at £35m and Arsenal must do everything to prise him to the Emirates.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
