Arsenal are considering making a cut-price move for West Ham United right-back Ben Johnson, who has a year left to run on his deal.
According to The Sun, Ben Johnson has emerged as a target for Arsenal, as the right-back could leave West Ham United this summer. The 23-year-old wide man’s contract expires in 2024, and the Hammers want to sell him now to raise funds.
Arsenal have been top-notch in this transfer window, getting ahead of the curve and completing their priority business quickly. Mikel Arteta wanted primary deals to conclude well before pre-season, and it may appear he has landed his key men.
Kai Havertz arrived in a £65 million deal from Chelsea, and Arsenal were simultaneously negotiating other transfers. They agreed on a club-record deal with West Ham United for midfielder Declan Rice and are on the verge of sealing a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
As Timber seems close to joining the Gunners with a few details left before the transfer gets a green light, his position seems to have drawn plenty of curiosity. The Dutchman can play right-back or as a central defender, similar to Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Hence, the current assumption is that Timber will start the season as Arsenal’s primary right-back, with Ben White moving to central defence. Depending on Tomiyasu’s long-term fitness update, Arteta might look to bring further reinforcements to that position, although it seems unlikely.
The Sun are now linking West Ham’s 23-year-old wide man Ben Johnson with a move. Arsenal had shown interest in the right back, but there is nothing concrete at that stage. The West Ham full-back has not played consistently over the last 18 months.
He does not feel staying at West Ham would improve his career prospects, and he might look for a move away. The Hammers, on the other hand, are not keen to let him run down his deal, which expires in 2024. They will entertain offers, as he could leave on a cut-price move.
The report states Arsenal are interested in signing Johnson as their backup right-back for next season and could hold talks with West Ham. These links have an element of logic, but the Gunners seem well-stacked at the back for now.
Arteta will likely prioritise another midfielder if Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey leave. If they have funds left beyond that, and after calculating potential sales, a new striker could also come into their thinking. However, a new right-back may appear unwanted at this stage, as with the arrival of Timber, they will have three players who can play that position.
