Arsenal are interested in a move for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, but they face a problem in their pursuit of the centre-back.
Mikel Arteta may want to add to his defensive ranks, with new signing Jurrien Timber looking set for a long spell on the sidelines, and is an admirer of the Spain international.
However, Fabrizio Romano has now highlighted an issue, that Man City will be reluctant to help strengthen their title rivals. With both teams competing at the top of the league, City would prefer to sell Laporte elsewhere.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano pointed out the problem Arteta will now face when attempting to recruit a player who Pep Guardiola has described as “incredible.”
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“At the beginning of the market, they looked at the possibility to bring in one more centre-back, a traditional centre-back. A player they really appreciate is Aymeric Laporte, this is true, but from what I heard, Man City didn’t want to sell one more player to Arsenal, they prefer a different destination for Laporte,” he stated.
“The knee injury for Jurrien Timber is a problem. Arsenal will explore the market, will discuss internally, Arteta will be involved in the conversations. Let’s see if Arsenal will return for Laporte or if they will go for a full-back to replace Timber.”
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Would Laporte be a good signing?
The Spaniard is an excellent player, and one who would strengthen the squad, but at the same time, he may not be the best way to replace Timber.
The 29-year-old is a left-footed centre-back, and Arsenal have Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior as options on that side. Whilst Laporte can play at full-back, it his not his natural position, and he is therefore unlikely to be a regular starter.
Laporte would likely prefer to join a club where he can be the first-choice option in his natural position, and City’s reluctance to sell to Arsenal again makes this an unlikely deal overall.
If Arsenal feel that they need to enter the market to replace Timber whilst he is injured, then a more versatile option like the Dutchman may be a better purchase.