Arsenal join Man Utd in race for €40m Bundesliga star

James Shearman

• Updated: 30 Nov 2023 14:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

Frimpong is likely to leave the Bundesliga leaders next summer due to a €40 million release clause in his contract.

And, according to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are one of several teams vying for his signature.

"Frimpong has been scouted by Arsenal and Bayern Munich in recent times, as well as Barcelona before signing Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City in the summer," Romano told CaughtOffside.

"He is certainly a very admired player in Europe after some fantastic performances this season."

Meanwhile, Manchester United are also thought to be interested in the player as their defence is in need of reinforcements.

Frimpong to Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta currently has plenty of solid right-back options at his disposal, such as Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber.

However, none of them possess the attributes that have seen Frimpong rise to stardom in Xabi Alonso's exciting Leverkusen side.

The aforementioned trio are all defensive-minded players, while Frimpong is most known for his attacking prowess.

Playing as a wing-back, the Netherlands international has registered a remarkable four goals and five assists in 12 league starts in the 2023-24 season.

He looks set to improve on his already impressive tally of 15 goal contributions in the last campaign.

So, while he does not fit Arteta's existing system, he is surely a player worth adapting for.

The Spaniard could look to play Frimpong in a back four, which would turn into a back three in possession, as the 22-year-old pushes forward to overlap Bukayo Saka on what would be a deadly right side.