Arsenal are reportedly set to rival Manchester United in the race to sign 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong this summer.
According to a report from Sport Bild, Arsenal are considering a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen’s attack-minded right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who is also a target for Manchester United.
The Gunners have nothing to complain about in this window so far. Transfer supremo Edu Gaspar has taken the transfer window by storm. Arsenal have already brought in Kai Havertz, while Declan Rice is now just a medical away from moving to the Emirates.
A move for Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber is also in the pipeline, and now Mikel Arteta could turn his focus to other areas of the squad that require strengthening as he looks to mount another title challenge in the upcoming season.
A quality cover who offers a different dynamic to the team than defensive-minded Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu seems to be high on the priority list. Recent reports have linked them to former Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo and versatile RB Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs.
But another interesting option has now surfaced in the form of Bayer Leverkusen’s Frimpong. Since swapping Celtic for the German club in 2021, Frimpong has become one of the most highly-rated right-backs in the Bundesliga, nailing down a starting berth at Die Werkself as his own.
The 22-year-old predominantly plays as a right-back or right wing-back for Leverkusen and was in stellar form this past season with nine goals and 11 assists in 38 games. Needless to say, he was one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga last season, recording a top speed of over 36 km/h.
His pace, matched with his passing, dribbling ability, and end product, makes him an attractive proposition for the Gunners. The report also notes Manchester United’s continuous interest in signing the Leverkusen speedster.
The Red Devils have been monitoring the Dutch right-back for the past few months. And it has been claimed that manager Erik ten Hag admires him. He would provide the right balance between attack and defence that neither Diogo Dalot nor Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been able to deliver consistently.
The Dutchman’s contract is set to expire in 2025, and Leverkusen are bracing themselves for several appealing offers for their star defender, having already brought in a replacement in the form of Brazil international Arthur from Mineiro for just €7 million.
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Frimpong is thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League, particularly Manchester United, where he spent ten years in the Manchester City academy (2010–2019) before leaving for Celtic. That said, given United’s FFP constraints, it looks unlikely the Red Devils will prioritise bolstering in the right-back area this summer, which leaves the door open for Arsenal to make their move.
