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Arsenal get one over Man Utd as 'transfer talks begin' despite Erik ten Hag 'agreement'
Arsenal could trump Manchester United as Mikel Arteta plans to add a fourth new signing to his squad.
Dutch football expert explains what Timber could offer Arsenal
Arsenal could snatch one of Manchester United's summer targets from under their noses as they step up their pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong after sealing their second and third signings of the summer. Mikel Arteta has already brought in Kai Havertz and followed up his capture of the Chelsea star with the double signing of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber to the tune of £145million, and the Bayer Leverkusen full-back could be the next player to arrive.
The Netherlands international is understood to be keen on a return to England, having played for Manchester City in his days as an academy player, and United have already held talks with Frimpong's representatives over a possible move this summer.
The 22-year-old has been a revelation for Leverkusen this year, scoring eight goals as well as providing nine assists in all competitions for the German club.
According to German outlet Sport Bild, the north London club have compiled a 'transfer shortlist' with Frimpong featuring high on the agenda for the Gunners. Transfermarkt's Stefan Bienkowski reports that early talks had been held between the two clubs, although there is nothing 'concrete' on the table yet.
Leverkusen value Frimpong highly and would be reluctant to sell for a fee lower than £42.7m (€50m), which may put him out of Arsenal's price range given their £200m expenditure already this summer.
Bayern Munich had also been credited with an interest in the Dutchman, but both clubs could now lose out as Arsenal make their move.
Arteta used Ben White as a makeshift right-back last season and the England international kept his place even when Takehiro Tomiyasu returned from a long lay-off.
Still, the Spaniard may welcome using a natural right-back and moving White to play alongside William Saliba at centre-back.
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It would represent a significant blow for United, who appeared to be close to signing the right-back in June before the move stalled. Deals for Mason Mount, who signed in a £60m deal from Chelsea, and goalkeeper Andre Onana have been prioritised instead.
But Ten Hag has shown some dissatisfaction with his current options at right-back last season, with Diogo Dalot establishing himself as United's first-choice right-back early in the campaign. After the Portuguese's injury, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was brought back into the fold and impressed towards the end of the season.
It was thought Frimpong could provide the 53-year-old with an attacking upgrade in that position to replace Wan-Bissaka, who had been backed to rejoin his former club Crystal Palace, with Ten Hag agreeing with the owners to sign a new right-back.
Instead, it looks as if the Red Devils will have to look at alternative options if Arsenal make progress in their pursuit.