Arsenal transfer news: Jeremie Frimpong has become one of Europe's most efficient wing-backs with his performances in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen
Jeremie Frimpong is the latest wing-back to emerge on Arsenal radar's this summer, football.london understands. The Bayer Leverkusen defender's qualities have made him one of Europe's most-wanted players in his position.
Frimpong has impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga over the last two years. He joined Leverkusen in January 2021 after his eye-catching performances as a teenager with Celtic. Now, at 22, he is one of Xabi Alonso's most important players.
Last season, the right wing-back made 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals and producing another 11. Predominantly a right-back, Frimpong's ability to play further up the field as an attacking wing-back has placed him at the top of a number of clubs' lists.
It's easy to see why Arsenal want to pursue a move for Frimpong. FBref has the defender ranking in the 90th percentile for assists and 88th percentile for shot-creating actions in comparison to players in a similar position within Europe's top five leagues.
He is also ranked in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the opposition penalty area. A clear indication of how his attacking prowess have caught Edu Gaspar's eye.
In April, they confirmed the signing of Brazilian right-back Arthur from America Mineiro, a transfer viewed as his replacement. This summer, Leverkusen are bracing themselves for offers for the wing-back and are on course to make a healthy profit on Frimpong.
In 2021, the German outfit snapped up the defender from Celtic for a fee that had potential to rise to £11.5million ($14.6m). At the time, his market value was only €4million before rising just above €10million a month later. By the time he had completed a full season in Germany, he was worth $21.7million.
According to transfermarkt, his estimated value reached the €40million mark at the end of the 2022/23 season. The former Manchester City academy player cost Celtic only £400k ($508,636), meaning his value has rocketed an astonishing €39.5million since his breakthrough season.