Arteta stuns Man Utd, as Arsenal move for electric star ramps up after greenlight granted

Arsenal are sizing up a dazzling star who has already held talks with Man Utd, while his club have been labelled ‘prepared to sell’, per reports.

The Gunners are sparing no expense when it comes to their summer transfer plans. Indeed, Kai Havertz has already been banked to the tune of £65m. Late drama aside, moves for Jurrien Timber (approx. £40m) and Declan Rice (£105m) have been partially agreed and should be announced in the next seven days.

However, the spending isn’t in line to stop there, with a second midfield addition wanted in the event both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey leave. Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal’s sights, though it’s Liverpool who are taking the lead at present.

In the event Arsenal’s move for Timber does fall through, Sky Germany reported RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs is a concrete alternative. In fact, their reporter, Florian Plettenberg, revealed talks between Arsenal and Henrichs’ camp have already started.

However, according to a fresh update from BILD, Arsenal want another defensive addition on top of either Timber or Henrichs.

They claim Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is being courted by the Gunners who love the fact he can play at both left-back and right-back.

The right-footer’s versatility could assume greater significance in the event Kieran Tierney is sold. Per the Telegraph, Tierney is a target for Aston Villa and Newcastle.

In any case, a move for Frimpong would certainly raise eyebrows over at Old Trafford.

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is a known admirer of Frimpong and wanted his fellow Dutchman as an attacking upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The Manchester Evening News reported United held talks with Frimpong’s camp back in April. Fabrizio Romano revealed Frimpong, 22, was “keen” on the idea of joining the Red Devils.

However, Man Utd are believed to be working with a restricted budget of around £120m this summer. £60m has already been put towards signing Mason Mount, leaving little left over for a new goalkeeper and striker.

As such, Ten Hag’s pursuit of a new attack-minded right-back has been put on the backburner. If BILD are correct, Frimpong may well be off the market when the times comes for United to try their luck for Frimpong in a future window.

Indeed, the publication states an ‘offensive right-back’ is being targeted by Arsenal and Frimpong fits their style ‘perfectly’.

The pacy right-back operated primarily as a wing-back at Leverkusen last term, though that shouldn’t detract from his incredible attacking output. Indeed, Frimpong notched eight goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga alone.

BILD acknowledge Man Utd’s interest in Frimpong before declaring Leverkusen are ‘prepared to sell’.

Indeed, Xabi Alonso’s side have already signed Frimpong’s successor in the form of Brazil international Arthur. The 20-year-old arrived from Brazilian America Mineiro in a €7m deal.

On the subject of how much Frimpong might cost, BILD offered no clues in their report. However, other outlets and sources including Fabrizio Romano have estimated a bid somewhere in the range of €40m-€50m (approx. £34.2m £42.8m) will do the trick.

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