04 July 2023 , 23:00
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Arsenal could be about to compete with Manchester United for the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong.
The Gunners have already been very busy in the transfer market this summer. German forward Kai Havertz became their first signing of the summer following his £65m arrival from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Two more new recruits are expected to follow him. Declan Rice is set to complete what would be a club record switch to the Emirates Stadium from West Ham, whilst Jurrien Timber is close to rubber-stamping a move from Ajax. That would take Arsenal’s spending to over £200m this summer and it does not appear to be finished there.
According to German outlet Sport Bild, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a candidate for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta is keen to add a more offensive right-sided defender and it is believed that the Dutchman fits the bill.
A move could potentially be relatively straight-forward with the German side reportedly open to selling. They have also seemingly sealed a replacement in the form of Arthur, who has been signed from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro. Frimpong, 22, has been with Leverkusen since his arrival from Celtic midway through the 2020/21 season.
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Since then, he has made 95 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists. He has two years left to run on his contract at the BayArena.
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The Gunners could potentially face competition for Frimpong should they aim to make a move. Man United are also among the clubs interested in signing with Erik ten Hag keen to make a move for his compatriot.
Despite his standout performances, he landed himself in hot water with his international manager Ronald Koeman. The former Everton and Barcelona boss hit out at Frimpong after he rejected the chance to appear for the Dutch under-21 side at the Euros this summer.
He said: "Not good. I don't think that's okay. The Dutch Juniors are playing a European Championship. If a player thinks he's gone beyond that level, I think you're making the wrong decision.”
Whilst Frimpong is among the players that Arsenal could make a move for before the end of the transfer window, they do have alternatives. Spanish fullback Ivan Fresneda has long been linked with a move to North London, but it appears that he is closing in on a switch to Barcelona.
They could also move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Henrichs, with talks having also been opened with the German’s representatives. The Bundesliga side are not keen on selling though, with Marco Rose seeing him as a key member of his squad for next term.