Arsenal should invest £43m on Frimpong, perfect Saka back-up

Arsenal have already spent over £200 million on new signings this summer. West Ham United’s Declan Rice and Ajax’s Jurrien Timber are expected to be officially unveiled before the end of the week.

The Gunners are still open to spending in the transfer market. While the priority is now on outgoings, the hierarchy are looking at the prospect of pursuing more signings before the September 1 deadline.

The Telegraph’s Stefan Bienkowski has recently revealed that Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is one of the players under consideration, but talks are currently at a very early stage.

The Bundesliga outfit want at least £43 million for the 22-year-old, but could expect more as well. In our opinion, the Gunners should consider him as a back-up option to Bukayo Saka next term.

Frimpong could be Saka’s back-up on the right wing

Arsenal currently have Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu as their regular right-back options. There are suggestions that Timber could also be considered for the role in the forthcoming campaign.

Hence, the Gunners don’t need another option in the department. In our view, Frimpong could be considered as an attacking outlet for Arsenal, having excelled from the right wing-back role at Leverkusen.

Frimpong made 70 per cent of his appearances from the position last season. He spent most of his time in the opposition half, registering an impressive nine goals and 11 assists for his club.

The former Manchester City graduate won nearly three dribbles per Bundesliga outing, but he was also superb defensively with 1.6 tackles and a stunning 6.1 duels won per appearance.

Arsenal currently have adequate cover on the left wing with the presence of Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson to support Gabriel Martinelli, but they don’t have similar back-up on the right.

Saka played through 90 minutes for most of the games last term. There were occasions in the back end of last season where the Gunners were yearning for a quality option to replace Saka off the bench.

Frimpong would be a shrewd signing for Arsenal. He would cost much less than Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby who is valued at £69m.

The ex-Celtic man would provide the right balance between attack and defence for the Gunners next season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com