Arsenal have reportedly registered an interest in Manchester City defender Ayermic Laporte. Reports in Spain claim that Arsenal will take advantage of Laporte’s uncertain future under Pep Guardiola.
The centre-back played just 12 Premier League matches last season and remained on the bench for the Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan. Nathan Ake was often preferred in the left-sided defensive position in Guardiola’s new 3-2-2-3 formation.
City are reportedly expected to sign the £100million-rated Josko Gvardiol in the coming weeks, placing further doubt on Laporte’s future at the Etihad Stadium. Clubs are reportedly now lining up to enquire over the 29-year-old’s availability.
Reports in the Spanish media claim that Arsenal are one of the clubs competing for Laporte, alongside Aston Villa and Tottenham. However, it would be a slightly awkward move for the former Athletic Bilbao star after he seemed to mock the North Londoners for slipping up in their title pursuit.
Shortly after Arsenal were beaten 3-0 by Brighton in May, a result that effectively ruined their hopes of winning the league, Laporte tweeted a GIF of Dwayne Johnson saying “Mmmmmmmmm I can smell it”. It referenced that City were now the favourites to win a third consecutive title.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporte is being ‘sounded out’ by numerous clubs, including Arsenal. Former club Bilbao are also considering an emotional return for the Basque-born star, having lost Inigo Martinez this summer.
Laporte still has two years remaining on his City contract and is reported to have not made a decision about his future. The five-time Premier League champion could decide to remain at the club and fight for his place, despite the possible arrival of Gvardiol.
Meanwhile, reports also suggest that City are interested in signing Laporte’s City team-mate Joao Cancelo. Discarded to Bayern Munich by Guardiola in January, Cancelo returns to the Etihad Stadium from his loan spell this summer with an uncertain future hanging over his head.
Give Me Sport claim that Arsenal remain in the race to sign the Portuguese star. His ability to play on both sides of defence, as well as taking up positions in midfield, would suit Mikel Arteta’s playing style.
Arsenal are expected to be busy in the transfer window after just missing out on a first Premier League title in two decades. Kai Havertz has already arrived at the Emirates Stadium, while a £105m deal for Declan Rice is believed to be close to completion.
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