Arsenal are reportedly in the race to sign another West Ham United player in Ben Johnson, but the move would be a surprising one.

As Arsenal attempt to close a deal for Declan Rice, reports have broken that the Gunners hold an interest in another of West Ham United’s former academy stars.

West Ham insider The West Ham Way report that Arsenal have joined Everton in the race for Ben Johnson, whose contract is set to expire in 2024.

The 23-year-old is refusing to sign a new deal at West Ham, as the club don’t want to offer him wages comparable with the regular starters.

Instead, West Ham are expecting to sell Johnson this summer, with Arsenal reportedly interested in him as a backup option.

Yet it would be a surprise to see Arsenal signing yet another right-back.

As it stands, Mikel Arteta has Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu available to him, even if Cedric Soares leaves the club as expected.

Tomiyasu’s injury problems have often left a gap in the squad, but the proposed addition of Ajax’s Jurrien Timber would address this.

If Arteta has White, Tomiyasu, and Timber available to him at right-back going into the coming season, it’s hard to see how Johnson gets minutes in the position.

Perhaps the most convincing argument for Johnson as an addition to the Arsenal squad is that he can play at left-back and centre-back, as well as right-back.

The defender could thus provide cover across the entire defence, which is undoubtedly handy.

But Tomiyasu can also play at left-back and centre-back, Jakub Kiwior ended the season in a left-back role, White and Timber have both spent plenty of time in central areas. Another versatile defender doesn’t feel like a pressing need for Arsenal.