Arsenal could consider an approach for Tariq Lamptey next summer as Mikel Arteta remains keen to add the right-back to his squad.
According to Duncan Castles via the Transfer Window Podcast, Arsenal could rekindle their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion star Tariq Lamptey as Mikel Arteta eyes a new right-back next season.
Arsenal spent significantly in the summer bringing in several players, particularly defensive stars, as Mikel Arteta bolstered his backline. Those signings included a new right-back in Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been brilliant since joining the north London side.
The Japan international has become a mainstay in that backline that has kept nine clean sheets this term. The stoic defence and a scintillating group of attackers have helped Arsenal climb up to fourth on the table, a place they will retain going into 2022.
Despite those performances from Tomiyasu, Arsenal are reportedly on the lookout for a new option at right-back with Tariq Lamptey supposedly interesting them. After battling a serious hamstring problem for over nine months, the 21-year-old Brighton star looks back to full fitness and his recent displays in the Premier League a proof of that.
The Gunners are prepared to reignite their interest in the attacking right-back as Arteta views him as a different option to Tomiyasu and not necessarily his replacement. The Gunners have many existing options in the position, including Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers, who the club are prepared to offload next summer.
Lamptey offers a more attacking option going into the final third, contrasting to Tomiyasu’s style, who is more stationed in defence. On the other hand, Brighton are reportedly open to a sale for the right price, and Arsenal will know their conditions very well due to their recent business transaction.
The Gunners lured Ben White from Brighton in the summer for a reported fee of £50 million. After prolonged negotiations, which went about for more than a month, the Gunners and Seagulls agreed on the price.
Manchester United are also interested in Lamptey as they look for a more dynamic player in the position to replace one of their existing stars, Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot. If the full-back is put on the market, the Red Devils could give Arsenal serious competition for his signing.
Other factors, such as Lamptey’s long-term fitness, will get much clearer as the ongoing season progresses. As for a move to Arsenal, it could work for both the player and the club, as they might find each other’s style complementing.