As Leicester City grapple with the aftermath of their Premier League relegation, rumours abound regarding the fate of their players.
In the midst of the upheaval, Arsenal have emerged as a potential new home for Belgian right-back Timothy Castagne, despite expressing a preference for Tottenham Hotspur previously.
- Arsenal are reportedly showing interest in Leicester City’s defender, Timothy Castagne, for this summer’s transfer window.
- Castagne, who previously expressed a preference for Tottenham over Arsenal, might be moving due to Leicester’s relegation.
- With Takehiro Tomiyasu out due to a knee injury, Arsenal could be looking to strengthen their defence with Castagne’s acquisition.
The latest word from the rumour mill reveals that Arsenal have their sights set on Leicester City’s defender, Timothy Castagne, for the summer transfer window.
Leicester’s shaky ground
Leicester City’s Premier League relegation has prompted speculation around the potential exodus of their top players.
James Maddison and Timothy Castagne are expected to be on the move, adding pressure to an already struggling side.
We already know Youri Tielemans will be also leave for free with his contract expiring at the end of June.
Arsenal’s active summer
Arsenal are expected to be quite proactive in this window.
Their priority appears to be bolstering their midfield but with several names linked to the club for other positions as well.
Joao Cancelo, Ivan Fresneda and Sacha Boey are among those rumoured to be on Mikel Arteta’s list, with Castagne the latest addition after reports emerged a month ago that the club had been scouting him.
The Belgian international, who joined Leicester from Atalanta for £21.5 million back in 2020, is valued at around €28m.
According to Het Belang van Limburg, Arsenal are keen on him, and he could be signed for an amount between £12.8 million and £17.1 million.
Replacing injured with the agile
Takehiro Tomiyasu, a reliable right-back for Arsenal, when fit, is expected to be out until October due to a knee injury.
As such, Arteta is possibly looking to bring in a player like Castagne.
Past loyalties and future prospects
However, Castagne has in the past publicly stated his preference for Tottenham over Arsenal. But as the current situation unfolds, he might just end up playing for the team he once snubbed.
Speaking to La Derniere Heure in June 2020, he said: “I was especially a fan when Thierry Henry played for (Arsenal). Now I’m not so much. You have to be honest with yourself. When a team like PSG or Tottenham come knocking on your door, you can’t say ‘no’.”
In short, he doesn’t seem very bright.
With 42 appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists, Castagne is a seasoned player. Playing for Belgium regularly since 2018, he played every minute of their recent World Cup campaign.
Castagne is under contract until 2025 and it is not clear at this point if he has a clause in his contract regarding relegation.