Jeremie Frimpong is the latest wing-back to emerge on Arsenal radar's this summer, football.london understands. The Bayer Leverkusen defender's qualities have made him one of Europe's most-wanted players in his position.
Frimpong has impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga over the last two years. He joined Leverkusen in January 2021 after his eye-catching performances as a teenager with Celtic. Now, at 22, he is one of Xabi Alonso's most important players.
Last season, the right wing-back made 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals and producing another 11. Predominantly a right-back, Frimpong's ability to play further up the field as an attacking wing-back has placed him at the top of a number of clubs' lists.
Alongside the Gunners, Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all on the list of admirers for the Netherlands international. According to German outlet SPORTBILD, Mikel Arteta wants to sign an 'offensive right-back' and is willing to pay 'up to €40million ($43.5m)' to fill the position with Frimpong.
It's easy to see why Arsenal want to pursue a move for Frimpong. FBref has the defender ranking in the 90th percentile for assists and 88th percentile for shot-creating actions in comparison to players in a similar position within Europe's top five leagues.
He is also ranked in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the opposition penalty area. A clear indication of how his attacking prowess have caught Edu Gaspar's eye.
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Leverkusen has become renowned for selling players to some of Europe's elite over the years. In 2020, Arsenal's Kai Havertz left Die Werkself for €80million ($87.1m) to join Chelsea, with Heung-min Son ($32.6m) and Leon Bailey ($34.8m) also departing for the Premier League.
In April, they confirmed the signing of Brazilian right-back Arthur from America Mineiro, a transfer viewed as his replacement. This summer, Leverkusen are bracing themselves for offers for the wing-back and are on course to make a healthy profit on Frimpong.
In 2021, the German outfit snapped up the defender from Celtic for a fee that had potential to rise to £11.5million ($14.6m). At the time, his market value was only €4million before rising just above €10million a month later. By the time he had completed a full season in Germany, he was worth $21.7million.
According to transfermarkt, his estimated value reached the €40million mark at the end of the 2022/23 season. The former Manchester City academy player cost Celtic only £400k ($508,636), meaning his value has rocketed an astonishing €39.5million since his breakthrough season.
