Arsenal have reportedly been given “new hope” of beating Manchester City with the signing of Tino Livramento in the summer transfer window.
Earlier this month, Emirates Stadium bosses were reported to have held talks with representatives of the Newcastle defender in a bid to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad in the wake of their Premier League win.
A few weeks ago, it looked like North West clubs had the upper hand over the Gunners in the race to sign the 23-year-old, but new reports suggest the pendulum now appears to have swung in North London’s favor.
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Arsenal gives ‘new hope’ to Libramento raid
According to a report from Sports Boom, Libramento is a “dream target” this summer as Arsenal look to strengthen their already formidable backline.
It has been claimed that Josep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City this week has created uncertainty over the club’s summer transfer plans, giving the new champions “new hope” of one-upping the Manchester side both on the market and in the title race.
The Newcastle right-back remains a priority defensive target for the Gunners, but Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza has been listed as a possible free transfer player upon the expiry of his contract with Galicia if the Magpies demand a higher transfer fee than the north Londoner is willing to pay.
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Will Libramento’s injury history be a concern for Arsenal?
Arsenal already boast enviable strength in every defensive position, but with Ben White struggling with injury, Arteta could well bring even more competition for right-back for Julian Timber.
Newcastle’s failure to qualify for Europe could mean they lose some valuable assets, and Livramento is a versatile, homegrown, Premier League-proven option to strengthen the Gunners’ title-winning squad.
As detailed in Breaking The Lines’ scouting analysis, he excels at stretching opposition defenses, linking up effectively with the Magpies’ attacking players and recovering to win the ball when his team is under threat.
However, one big concern surrounding the 23-year-old is his alarming injury record, having missed more than 30 games this season with four separate absences (Transfermarkt).
This is something Arsenal’s leaders should consider as they enter the summer transfer window. Mingueza may be a less risky option in terms of finances and availability, but they too will not want their ‘dream target’ Libramento going to Man City.
