Arsenal and Man Utd handed €40m opportunity as target '95% likely to leave'

Tom Weber

Updated: 16 Jul 2024 10:02 BST
3 min read

Jeremie Frimpong is desperate to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, according to German media.

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The Dutch wing-back is coming off the best season of his career. Frimpong excelled on the right side of Xabi Alonso's well-tuned system and played a crucial part in Bayer 04 enjoying an invincible domestic campaign, while also reaching the Europa League final.

A full-back by trade, Frimpong featured more as a classic winger for the Werkself last season, putting up impressive numbers. In 47 games across all competitions, the 23-year-old netted 14 times and provided 12 assists.

Unfortunately, and similarly to his Spanish left-sided counterpart Alejandro Grimaldo, his good form was not rewarded with a starting berth at Euro 2024. Due to his attacking inclinations, Frimpong did not enjoy the full confidence of Ronald Koeman and saw limited minutes at the tournament in Germany.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman remains an eminently talented player and one of Europe's biggest market opportunities - at least until the end of the week.

Frimpong keen to leave

According to Sky Germany, Frimpong has a €40 million to €45m release clause that expires this week. Crucially, the German outlet reports that the wide player is desperate to leave champions Leverkusen this summer, having already wanted out last year.

Reporter Marlon Irlbacher described it as 'bombshell news' before revealing: "According to our information, Jeremie Frimpong, the right-sided player, absolutely wants to leave the club, regardless of whether his release clause expires. The good thing for Leverkusen is they can still earn a lot of money from Frimpong."

Florian Plettenberg later added: "So far, no one has triggered the clause, but we can say and emphasise that really concrete talks are taking place with potential suitors. The player himself is 95 per cent planning to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Even if the clause expires now, then maybe a transfer will be formally negotiated in August."

Frimpong's 'potential suitors' were not named, but it has long since been reported that the Dutchman has admirers in the Premier League. Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool have been associated with the electric winger for months and he could be a shrewd pick-up at €40m-€45m.