Arsenal is reportedly eyeing a significant addition to their squad with Bayer Leverkusen’s right-back Jeremie Frimpong emerging as a key target.

The Gunners are said to be considering the activation of a €40 million release clause to secure the Dutch international, potentially outmanoeuvring rivals like Manchester United and Liverpool in a major transfer coup.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 08: Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer 04 Leverkusen in action during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Köln at BayArena on October 08, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 08: Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer 04 Leverkusen in action during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Köln at BayArena on October 08, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Arsenal has its sights set on a major transfer, eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s right-back Jeremie Frimpong, a Dutch international who has been making waves in the Bundesliga.

The Gunners are reportedly prepared to trigger a €40 million release clause in Frimpong’s contract, a move that could see them beat out heavyweight competition, including Manchester United and Liverpool.

Since his move from Celtic to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021 for €11 million, Frimpong has quickly established himself as a key figure in Leverkusen’s lineup.

His performances have been nothing short of remarkable, with the 23-year-old amassing 18 goals and 30 assists in 117 games.

Frimpong, known for his attacking prowess, has been a standout player under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, contributing seven goals and 10 assists this season, following a tally of nine goals and 11 assists the previous season.

His current contract with Leverkusen extends until 2028.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - APRIL 20: Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarterfinal Second Leg match between Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stade Joseph Marien on April 20, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – APRIL 20: Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarterfinal Second Leg match between Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stade Joseph Marien on April 20, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s transfer strategy seems to have changed with their growing interest in Frimpong. Initially, the club aimed to reinforce their defence in the January transfer window, but Frimpong’s contractual situation with a specific summer release clause has shifted their focus.

The clause in question allows Frimpong to depart Leverkusen for €40 million in the summer.

Frimpong’s exceptional form has not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid also considering him as a potential replacement for Dani Carvajal. However, Arsenal’s readiness to activate the release clause could give them an edge over the Spanish giants.

Despite their reluctance to part with Frimpong during the January transfer window, Leverkusen seems more amenable to a summer move. The club, currently leading the Bundesliga, four points ahead of Bayern Munich, acknowledges Frimpong’s critical role but appears prepared for his eventual departure.