Arteta set to change Arsenal transfer plan after star's release clause emerges

07 January 2024 , 16:48

1027     0

Jeremie Frimpong has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal are ready to wait until the summer to sign a new full-back as they eye up a move to sign Jeremie Frimpong when his release clause becomes active.

Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his squad this month as he tries to get the Gunners' Premier League title push back on track after back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Fulham. A new striker, central midfielder and two new full-backs are understood to be at the top of Arsenal's January shopping list.

Ivan Toney is Arsenal 's primary forward target, while Martin Zubimendi has been named as a potential midfield option. As for the full-back Arsenal want, Frimpong has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates after impressing for Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen this season.

According to Bild, Arsenal had their sights set on signing a full-back in January, but are prepared to delay their pursuit due to a £34million release clause inserted in Frimpong's contract, which will become active in the summer. Frimpong still has four-and-half years left on his current deal at BayArena and has started in each of their 16 Bundesliga matches this season, scoring five goals and grabbing seven assists.

When his team is in possession, Frimpong typically behaves like a right winger rather than a right-back. He is fast, has excellent dribbling skills and an eye for goal. Frimpong's defensive contribution is strong, but he isn't the greatest in the air and sometimes holds on to the ball for too long.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Arsenal have been light on options at full-back ever since Jurrien Timber suffered a serious knee injury on the opening weekend of the season against Nottingham Forest. Ben White has been a mainstay on the right side of the back four in recent weeks, with Oleksandr Zinchenko the regular pick at left-back. Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is currently at the Asia Cup with Japan, has filled in when required.

Arteta allowed Kieran Tierney to depart on loan to Real Sociedad in the summer, while Nuno Tavares was also let go as he joined Forest. Jakub Kiwior started at left-back in the defeat against Fulham last weekend, and although he is usually a centre-back, the Pole didn't put much of a foot wrong, earning him another start in the FA Cup vs Liverpool.

When quizzed about whether Arsenal will dip into the market to sign any players in January, Arteta said: "We are open for the transfer market but the emphasis is on making the most of the players we have. We will work together with the club to understand whether there are any possibilities and we have any good options, and first of all focus on the players we have."

Kieran King