Arsenal and Liverpool 'send scouts' as they 'eye' ex-Celtic defender with £35m release clause

Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports. The Premier League duo both had scouts in the stands to monitor the player during Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund on Sunday evening.

According to a report from 90min, scouts from the two clubs were at the ground primarily to take a look at Frimpong. He has a £35 million release clause in his contract at Leverkusen and anyone who wishes to bring him on board will need to meet this valuation.

Leverkusen are enjoying a strong start to the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, they currently sit at the top of the table and three points ahead of reigning champions Bayern Munich, although they have played a game more. Frimpong has played a major role in their success and the Dutch international has scored four goals and has notched up six assists over the course of 13 league games.

Where would Jeremie Frimpong play for Arsenal?

While he was at Celtic, Frimpong generally played as an attacking right-back. Since moving to Leverkusen, his ability to get forward has been better utilised - they have often played him at right midfield, but he can also function as an out-and-out winger.

It’s likely he could occupy several roles should he join Arsenal. The Gunners do not need another right-back - they already have Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Jurrien Timber - but he could provide cover in this position, especially considering that two of these players are currently injured.

Arsenal do not use the right midfield position at present, but they do play with a right winger. This role is usually fulfilled by Bukayo Saka but the Gunners could provide the England international with some healthy competition for his place in the starting XI, if they bring a player as talented as Frimpong on board should. Arteta is keen to bolster the depth of his squad and bringing Frimpong to the Emirates Stadium would be an excellent way to do this.