Arsenal have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong in recent weeks, and a move makes a lot of sense for several reasons.
Mikel Arteta is currently short of defensive options, with Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu all injured, and Arsenal are perhaps one more injury at the back away from disaster.
Arsenal scouts were in attendance as Leverkusen drew 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, and whilst they will have seen Granit Xhaka deliver yet another top performance, it was Frimpong they had their eye on.
The attacking right-back has been sensational for Xabi Alonso’s side this season, and he could be an option for Arsenal in January as they aim to avoid another injury-related collapse in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal are interested in Jeremie Frimpong
A report from Football Transfers has now confirmed that Arsenal are interested in Frimpong, but for an interesting reason.
The club believe that whilst he would add depth at right-back, and a more attack-minded option than Ben White or Tomiyasu, they think he can also play in midfield if necessary.
Partey’s injury meant that Arsenal have scouted a number of midfielders for the January window, with Andre from Fluminense and Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa touted as targets, but they may see Frimpong as a player who can fulfil two different needs.
They also see Frimpong as someone who could offer more going forward on the overlap than White, who could return to a role at centre-back if the 22-year-old does join.
Should Arsenal sign Jeremie Frimpong in January?
Frimpong has scored four and assisted six times in 13 league appearances this season, and can play both in defence as well as on the right wing.
He could therefore arrive as someone who can cover for all three of Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Declan Rice in a multitude of positions, and would therefore be an ideal addition to the squad.
Frimpong has a £35m release clause available until the end of the summer window, and in the current market this represents an absolute bargain for someone who could join and hit the ground running immediately.
Arsenal saw their title challenge falter last season after William Saliba and Tomiyasu picked up injuries, and they will be eager to avoid the same mistake.
Arteta has just one in-favour backup defender available to him now in Jakub Kiwior, and a defender should be prioritised in the winter window. Given his versatility, quality, age and experience, it is tough to see Arsenal finding better value than Frimpong anywhere else.
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