It appears that Arsenal’s business in the window is not over just yet. Despite the acquisitions of Kai Havertz and both Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, the pair are expected to be announced very soon, there are indications that the Gunners remain active and will strengthen if they deem it necessary.
Links to central midfielders, forwards and other defenders persist. In the back line, football.london understands that Arsenal have a genuine interest in Dutch international and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
The 22-year-old had a brilliant campaign in the Bundesliga last season scoring eight goals and chipping in with a further seven assists. Naturally, this led him to shine as one of the most offensive-minded full-backs in the game.
His performances have seen him ranked as one of the highest-performing players among his peers according to FBRef. For non-penalty goals per 90, he sits in the 98th percentile, assists per 90 in the 90th and shot-creating actions per 90 to 88th.
It gets better too when looking at his ability on the ball. As far as progressive carries per 90 are concerned he ranks in the 99th percentile, successful take-ons per 90 in the 99th again and touches in the opponent’s penalty area in the 99th once more.
That said, defensively he is certainly lacking. Frimpong is in the 35th percentile for tackles per 90, 8th for interceptions per 90, 14th for blocks per 90, 20th for clearances per 90 and 19th for aerial duels won per 90. This is the style of player he is and in fairness perhaps the perfect contrast to what Arsenal need.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Declan Rice hint, Jurrien Timber plan, Thomas Partey stance
There have been games where Mikel Arteta’s side have needed a goal and is unable to change too much from the bench and structurally with the team. Ben White has been substituted for Takehiro Tomiyasu which in terms of profile the pair are very similar.
Were it Frimpong being brought on there would be an immediate difference. Granted, defensively the vulnerability would be increased but in a game state where the Gunners are already down a goal or more having this option would be greatly beneficial.
In addition, in games where perhaps Arsenal are at home against an opposition that they’re expected to dominate the ball, starting Frimpong would be a viable option. Variation is what Mikel Arteta needs and certainly, that is what the 22-year-old brings to the table.
