While the rest of the ‘big-six’ are all tabled somewhere from 1st to 7th, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have struggled and are two points off the top half of the Premier League in 11th.
A recent turnaround in form has seen the Gunners pick up 10 points from an available 12, and with mega-money playmaker Mesut Ozil sealing a move to Fenerbache at long last, funds should be freed up for eventual additions.
They were handed disappointing news Sunday morning when a reported major transfer target sealed a new contract that will keep him at his current club until 2025.
Despite this, according to The Athletic, Arsenal still want Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey, but could face stiff opposition to sign the 20-year-old.
The diminutive right-back stands at just 5ft 5in tall but has made a big impact in the Premier League since his January move from Chelsea, drawing interest from Manchester City and Everton.
Lamptey has played 19 times for Brighton.
Having progressed through the Blues’ academy, it would be an even more painful blow if he was to move to London rivals Arsenal, but Brighton reportedly won’t stand in the way of players – if the price is right.
Lamptey has featured 11 times in the league this season, scoring once and assisting once, as well as picking up three yellow cards and a red card already as the youngster aims to further develop his game.
The Englishman would be a big boost to the squad though, bringing exuberance and pace to match the likes of Hector Bellerin, Arsenal’s current top option, and backup Cedric Soares – at just 20-years-old he has the potential to exceed both.
Arsenal currently have just one current England senior international in their first-team squad in Bukayo Saka, but Lamptey would add to a breadth of young Lions such as Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, as the Gunners gear towards a promising future.
