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Chris Davison

Folarin Balogun has major transfer role to play as Mikel Arteta finds Arsenal's next Bellerin

There is already lots of talk about Arsenal's potential business in the upcoming summer transfer window, with the striker position dominating discussion in particular.

However, it's no secret that Mikel Arteta is keen on bolstering other areas of his squad too, which includes right-back.

Takehiro Tomiyasu has been superb since arriving last summer, taking over from Hector Bellerin who had occupied the role for several seasons.

The Japanese international hit the ground running and no one has looked back since. Solid defensively whilst also proving to be important in attack, Tomiyasu is what you would describe as a complete full-back.

Still just 23-years-old, the Arsenal faithful hope to see Tomiyasu continue his bright start to life in red and white before growing into a club great in the future.

Edu's £16 million bargain may be excelling at the moment, but as we all know, competition plays a key role in maintaining high standards throughout the team.

Last month saw Calum Chambers join Aston Villa on a permanent deal, whilst Ainsley Maitland-Niles was loaned out to Jose Mourinho's Roma. This left Cedric Soares as the only natural right-back within the first-team squad.

With the Portuguese defender now 30 and struggling for consistency, Arteta will be on the lookout for a younger, more talented prospect to keep Tomiyasu on his toes moving forward.

Links with Middlesbrough loanee Djed Spence surfaced following an impressive performance which helped his current side Nottingham Forest knock the Gunners out of the FA Cup. It is believed that Spence, who scored against Leicester in the fourth round, is also a target for Tottenham.

Despite attracting the attention of Arsenal, Edu and Arteta could now be lining up an alternative option to Spence.

Arsenal have scouted Middlesbrough right wing-back, Isaiah Jones according to TEAMtalk. The 22-year-old, who can also operate as a winger, has made 32 appearances this season whilst scoring one goal and providing nine assists in the process.

Jones is playing a key role for Chris Wilder's side, as they look to secure a play-off place between now and the end of the Championship campaign.

The report adds that Spurs, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Leeds and Wolves are monitoring the player alongside Arsenal, with European clubs also showing an interest.

Despite this, Arsenal are in a relatively strong position when considering their relationship with Boro is positive after Folarin Balogun's loan switch to the north east.

The Hale End academy product is currently playing alongside Jones and can be putting in a good word about the club ahead of a potential move to north London in the summer.

Transfermarkt value Jones at just £360,000 and although Middlesbrough would demand a significantly higher fee, it could be an indication that Arsenal have another chance at strengthening their squad depth without spending big money, similar to Matt Turner's expected summer transfer which is thought to be costing around £7.5 million.

Follow our Arsenal Fan Brands Writer Chris Davison on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below. Make sure you have subscribed to The Arsenal Way and the Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Arsenal content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews.

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