Arsenal have entered the hunt to sign Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte. Numerous teams are interested in signing the Spain international as his future at the Etihad Stadium remains unresolved
Laporte is reportedly attracting interest from Tottenham and Aston Villa, as well as La Liga champions Barcelona.
The 29-year-old will be free to leave Pep Guardiola’s team this summer, according to recent rumors, with Josko Gvardiol about to join from RB Leipzig.
Due to the consistent performances of Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Nathan Ake last season, Laporte managed just 24 appearances in all competitions.
Interest in Laporte is expected to grow over the next several days as Gvardiol is on the verge of completing his £86m transfer to the Premier League.
Ajax star Jurrien Timber’s £40m transfer to the Gunners is almost finalized, which will add to their defense this summer.
However, with Champions League play returning to the Emirates Stadium this season, there could be further investment made in an effort to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s defense.
Will Laporte Join Mikel Arteta At Arsenal?
Fortunately for Arsenal, they hold a key advantage over their north London rivals. Back in his Man City days, Arteta left a lasting impression on Laporte. And back in April, the defender hinted how he could be a perfect fit for Arsenal’s style of play.
“Mikel Arteta, who was at Man City, knows our style very well. A fantastic manager; I only have good words to say,” he explained.
“What we’re doing alongside Arsenal is fantastic.”
Aymeric Laporte is a big fan of the boss 👀#Laporte #Arteta #ManCity #Arsenal #AFC pic.twitter.com/Of0Mp4lixJ
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) July 3, 2023
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His comments earlier this year came after the defender praised Arteta’s man-management.
“Mikel is a great coach and, for me, he has been one of the best people I have met in Manchester,” he said in 2020.
“He tries to help players all the time, he had a really good relationship with everyone, with me especially.”
Meanwhile, Arteta has also spoken highly of the defender in the past. Prior to the Spaniard’s move to Arsenal, he said: “He’s got balls of steel. He may have a French passport but it’s like he has raised in Bilbao. He’s got the Basque mentality – rock hard.
“You tell him he’s got to go toe-to-toe with Salah at Anfield and it’s no bother to him.”
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