Arsenal are among several European clubs in the transfer race to sign Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong. The Gunners likely face a decisive summer window to build on the successful foundations built in the 2022/23 season which could be celebrated with a Premier League title triumph.
Mikel Arteta's men sit top of the table, eight points clear of Manchester City, with nine games left to play. Playing excellent football and dropping points in just six games this season will likely place Arsenal in all of the major transfer battles set to occur at the end of the season.
West Ham captain Declan Rice looks set to be at the centre of one of those, with the Gunners making him their priority target, football.london understands. Central midfield was a position in need of more options at Emirates Stadium and Leicester City star Youri Tielemans was the expected man to fill that void, however that no longer looks likely to happen.
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Defensively, Arteta could also do with some reinforcements after missing out on Real Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda in the January transfer window. The Gunners could yet return for the 18-year-old in the summer, but there is an alternative right-back target also on their radar.
Jeremie Frimpong, valued at €35million (£30.7million), has impressed significantly in Germany this season at Leverkusen scoring eight goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances and his performances have not gone unnoticed. Manchester United are one club hoping to acquire the services of the Dutchmen with neither Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka able to make their case as Erik ten Hag's undisputed first-choice so far.
The Red Devils already seem to have a slight advantage over Arsenal in the Frimpong race having had direct meetings with his agent Jeffrey Lemmert. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now revealed Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also eyeing Frimpong and both could be ahead of Arsenal in the race.
Like United, Bayern and Barcelona have held meetings with Frimpong's agent, but both clubs face some obstacles they must overcome first which could give Arsenal a huge transfer chance. Bayern must first decide whether or not they want to pursue a permanent deal for Joao Cancelo, who joined the German Giants on loan from Manchester City in January.
Barcelona could also be facing further financial fair play restrictions which may in turn limit their summer business. Frimpong doesn't appear to be particularly high on Arsenal's transfer wish list, but the 22-year-old is a sought-after talent for a reason.
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