Arsenal 'to trigger £34m release clause' for star who was in 'advanced talks' with Man Utd

Arsenal will reportedly be chasing Jeremie Frimpong's signature in the summer. The Bayer Leverkusen right wing-back has been in outstanding form this season for Xabi Alonso's side and is at the top of Mikel Arteta's shortlist when it comes to full-backs.

First and foremost, Arteta is in the market for a new striker and central midfielder but he is also on the lookout for a full-back as well. It was initially thought Arsenal would look to buy a player in all three positions this month but the latter looks more likely to come through the door in June now.

According to German newspaper BILD, Frimpong has a modest £34million release clause in his contract which will become active in the summer. Arsenal are aware of this and are said to be keen on bringing him in on the cheap. 

Frimpong recently put pen to paper on a new long-term deal with Bayer after advanced talks with Manchester United broke down last summer. In May, reports from Germany claimed Frimpong was far along in his discussions with United. 

Frimpong has a £34m release clause in his deal

Frimpong has a £34m release clause in his deal 

Erik ten Hag had been keen to strengthen the right-hand side of his defence but the only full-back that would make their way through the door at Old Trafford before the window closed was Tottenham loanee Sergio Reguilon, who is predominantly deployed as a left-back.

Meanwhile, Frimpong committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen by signing a contract extension that will keep him at the Bay Arena until 2028. Speaking at the time, the club's managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes said: "Jeremie Frimpong has not just developed into an extremely popular figure in our squad over the past few years.

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"At the moment, he is one of the best players in the Bundesliga in his position as an attacking right-back. The contract extension underlines Jeremie's importance to our Werkself." Although it appears the German giants are keen to keep hold of Frimpong the relatively low release clause in his new deal suggests he may have his eyes on a move elsewhere. 

Frimpong has scored five goals and laid on six assists in 16 Bundesliga games this season – a goal contribution every 120 minutes. He is not the typical full-back that Arteta usually goes for with the Dutch international more comfortable bombing down the flanks rather than coming inside and helping out in the centre of the park. However, at just 23 years old he can likely be moulded into anything the Spaniard desires.