According to the Mirror, Arsenal are monitoring Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey as Barcelona line up a move for Hector Bellerin.
It is said that Joan Laporta, who is favourite to become Barcelona president next month, wants a reunion with Bellerin, who came through the club’s famous La Masia academy.
If that move does eventually materialise, then the Mirror‘s report suggests Arsenal will focus on signing the impressive Lamptey as the Spaniard’s replacement.
The 20-year-old wonderkid has shone for the Seagulls this season, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich also watching his progress according to the Mirror.
Lamptey’s marauding runs down the right flank have caught the eye this season.
He has scored one goal and recorded one assist in 11 Premier League appearances, while his teammate Neal Maupay said he ‘doesn’t have limits’.
The BBC quote the Frenchman as saying: ‘This kid doesn’t have limits. He is 19 and playing at such a high level.’
Brighton boss Graham Potter also spoke glowingly about the £35,000-a-week England Under-21 international.
Again, the BBC quote him as saying: ‘He’s got such pace, he threatens the backline of the defence so well and then he does his own defensive work as well, he’s amazing.’
As WhoScored shows, the former Chelsea full-back registers 1.2 dribbles, 1.5 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season.
His trickery is also highlighted by the fact that he’s fouled 2.5 times per Premier League appearance this term.
There’s no denying that the Brighton No.2 is one of the hottest young right-backs in Europe right now, and would be an exquisite signing for Arsenal.
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