- 7 hours ago
Arsenal 'unlikely' to sign €40m Netherlands star despite transfer desire
![Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Netherlands, 2023/24](https://static.footballtransfers.com/images/cn/image/upload/q_75,w_1200,h_675,ar_16.9/footballcritic/kyftdriaajzinbbzqcvp.webp)
Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong is leaning towards a summer exit, according to reports in Germany, but long-term admirers Arsenal are unlikely to sign the Netherlands international.
Frimpong, 23, has enjoyed a fantastic campaign at Leverkusen, notching 14 goals and 12 assists for Xabi Alonso’s side as they look to end the season unbeaten.
The Bundesliga title has already been wrapped up and Leverkusen are hoping to complete a historic treble with victory in the DFB-Pokal and Europa League finals.
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Alonso has already decided to snub interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich to remain at the BayArena next season, while Florian Wirtz is also set to stay at Leverkusen despite rumoured links to the likes of Real Madrid.
However, SportBILD have reported that Frimpong is tempted by the idea of a summer exit. The Dutchman has a €40 million release clause included in his current contract, although it is reportedly only active before the 2024 European Championship gets underway.
Despite his desire to leave Leverkusen, Arsenal are unlikely to sign Frimpong, according to Charles Watts.
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Jeremie Frimpong unlikely to join Arsenal
FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are long-term admirers of Frimpong, although the Gunners have been urged to pursue a move for Manchester City defender Yan Couto instead.
![Jeremie Frimpong, Bayer Leverkusen](https://static.footballtransfers.com/images/cn/image/upload/q_75,w_750,h_422,ar_750.421/footballcritic/xecogynnszzw0yaowsb5.webp)
In addition, Watts, an Arsenal journalist, has admitted that Frimpong is unlikely to seal a summer switch to the Emirates Stadium.
He told CaughtOffside: “Frimpong has been linked and he does have a release clause that could make him an attractive proposition to clubs, given the remarkable season he has enjoyed with Leverkusen, but I still think if a Dutchman does arrive at Arsenal this summer, it’s far more likely to be Jorrel Hato from Ajax.
“Arsenal have been working on a potential move for Hato for some time now and even though he has signed a new contract with Ajax recently, I still wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Arsenal firming up their interest in the young defender once the summer window opens.
“He is well aware of Arsenal’s interest, as are Ajax, so it’s one that is worth watching.
He continued: “Ben White has been superb once again over on the right as well this season, so Arsenal are very well stocked over there, especially when you factor Takehiro Tomiyasu into the equation as well. So I just don’t see a right-back like Frimpong being a priority this summer.”