Arsenal 'step up interest in Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong'

The 22-year-old made 34 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen last term and recorded an impressive number of goal contributions, scoring eight times and assisting on seven occasions.

Having made the switch from Celtic Park to BayArena in January 2021, the Dutchman has featured 95 times in Germany, scoring 11 goals from a full-back position.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are ready to intensify their efforts to bring Frimpong to the Emirates, with the Gunners looking to build a squad capable of fighting on four fronts next term.

It is believed that the former Manchester City youngster is high on a list of targets for Mikel Arteta this summer, although the North Londoners are not the only side keen on the defender.

The report adds that both Manchester United and Bayern Munich are admirers of Frimpong, and the latter could table a bid in an attempt to keep the 22-year-old in the Bundesliga.

Erik ten Hag's men have prioritised the signing of a goalkeeper and central striker following the arrival of midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea this week, however it is understood that the Red Devils are also in the market for full-back reinforcements.

The Old Trafford outfit do not appear to be weak on the flanks of their defence with Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot viewed as first-choice options currently - the latter recently signed a fresh deal running until the summer of 2028.

Leverkusen have reportedly set a £42.7m price tag for Frimpong amid interest from the Premier League and across Europe, with the defender's two-year stay at BayArena potentially drawing towards a close.

Arteta is close to bringing in two other major signings to North London, as deals for both Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are expected to be completed in the next week.

West Ham United are said to have reached a full agreement with the Gunners over the deal for their England international, with a fee of £105m for the 24-year-old approved by both parties.

Frimpong's Leverkusen teammate Moussa Diaby is another player who could be making the switch to the Premier League this summer, as the attacker reportedly wants a move to England amid links to Man Utd and Arsenal.

Arteta's charges will be hoping to challenge treble-winning Manchester City for the Premier League title once again this season - the Gunners begin their league schedule against Nottingham Forest on August 12.