Arsenal are now ‘chasing’ £34m star for summer transfer to solve one key problem

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Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong.

Any deal is set to take place in the summer transfer window, as the full-back will have a £34m release clause which will only be active at the end of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen are flying high at the top of the Bundesliga, with both Frimpong and former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka playing huge parts in their excellent form.

Arsenal are pursuing Jeremie Frimpong for summer transfer

A report from German outlet BILD has now claimed that Arsenal are “chasing” the 23-year-old, who has scored five and assisted seven times in 16 appearances from right-back.

A key problem Mikel Arteta needs to solve is Arsenal’s defensive depth on the right-hand side.

Arsenal have been linked with left-sided defenders including Jorrel Hato of Ajax, but there is very little cover on the right, with Cedric Soares currently the only alternative to Ben White whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are unavailable.

Oleksandr Zinchenko also missed Arsenal’s defeats against Fulham and Liverpool, and the lack of defensive depth is starting to show, as his replacement Jakub Kiwior scored an own goal against Liverpool.

Arsenal are now interested in Frimpong for a summer move, and he could be a vital signing for Arteta in several positions.

Jeremie Frimpong could solve Arsenal depth issue

Right-back Ben White has been playing through an injury since the start of November, and whilst Tomiyasu and Timber are absent, there is no one else who can cover for him beyond Cedric, who could leave in the January window.

Frimpong could join not only as cover, but as an alternative option to allow Arteta to explore more tactical styles.

Thomas Partey started the season at right-back, with White playing in the centre, and Arteta recently expressed his frustration that injury prevented Partey from becoming more versatile to offer him more tactical options.

Frimpong would be a fullback different to any other at Arsenal, as someone who can contribute goals and assists in the final third, whilst also offering defensive solidity and strong ability on the ball.

If necessary, he could even play on the wing to cover for Bukayo Saka. At £34m, he would be a potentially excellent value signing of proven quality at the top level who can make an instant impact within the squad and help raise the level of Arsenal’s defence.