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Arsenal could have a secret weapon in their reported pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong.
The right-back enjoyed a remarkable season in Germany last term, clocking up 20 goal contributions, and has continued in the same vein under the tutelage of manager Xabi Alonso. Frimpong has registered seven goals and 10 assists in 22 games across the current campaign, a phenomenal output for a defender.
His performances have been a key reason why Bayer Leverkusen are currently top of the Bundesliga table. As a result, Frimpong has been touted as a target for Arsenal but the Gunners are claimed to be rivalled by Aston Villa for his signature.
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A report from German outlet Bild has stated that Mikel Arteta’s side are ‘chasing’ a move for the Netherlands international but are not the only club ‘watching’ the 23-year-old. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has previously reported that Frimpong’s contract has a release clause of €40m (£34m) but that it will not come into effect until the summer window.
Given their budding title push, Romano also explained that Leverkusen have ‘no intention’ of selling Frimpong this month. In terms of Arsenal’s interest in the full-back, they are said to be battling Unai Emery’s Villa side to sign the attack-minded defender.
Arsenal may already have Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White among their right-back options but should Mikel Arteta wish to push for a deal this month, the Gunners would hold a number of advantages over Villa, not least the chance to play Champions League football. Frimpong’s teammate — and former Arsenal
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