Arsenal are likely to play with much more attack-minded full-backs next season, if their interest in Celta Vigo star Oscar Mingueza is anything to go by.
The Gunners are the latest club to show a strong interest in the Spain international, who will be available on a free transfer this summer. Mingueza, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has been linked with a Premier League move for years.
Aston Villa are one club that have been repeatedly associated with the 26-year-old. However, The Telegraph reports that they will face competition from the Premier League leaders.
The fact that Mingueza has signed with Unique Sports Group, an English agency, suggests that his future likely lies in the Premier League. Arsenal will be in the mix to sign him as they look for alternatives to Tino Livramento.
FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in January that the Newcastle star was being targeted by the Gunners as a replacement for Ben White, who has struggled for minutes this season and who is likely to depart the club this summer.
Mingueza instead of Livramento
However, Newcastle are braced for serious interest in numerous players and will do everything in their power to keep hold of the right back. With the likes of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali seemingly wanting out of the club, the Magpies will be reluctant to entertain offers for Livramento.
The fact that Man City also view the 23-year-old as a priority target further complicates the matter for Arsenal, who are faced with the decision of either entering into a very expensive bidding war – for someone who might have to settle for a backup role – or seeking out cheaper alternatives.
It increasingly looks as though the Gunners are leaning towards the latter, which is a sensible choice given that the most pressing need is adding a left-winger. Arsenal will need to be careful about their spending this summer after amassing the largest net spend in football this season.
Signing Mingueza appears to be a no-brainer due to his Bosman status. The interest in the Spaniard seemingly confirms that Arsenal are planning to take a slightly more attack-minded approach to full-back recruitment.
This was already pointed out by FootballTransfers when the North London giants were linked with a move for AS Roma star Wesley Franca. Mingueza, though he is capable of playing all across the backline, is more of an attacking threat than White, Jurrien Timber and even Livramento.
He has produced six assists and a goal this season for Celta Vigo. Underlying data from analytics firm SciSports also suggests that he is more attack-minded than the above-mentioned player.
Mingueza has the better of Livramento in terms of his passing, dribbling and offensive positioning. Livramento, who has played fewer minutes due to injury, does have marginally better crossing output than Mingueza, while Timber beats him for dribbling.
The Dutchman has undeniably been excellent – he has four goals and seven assists to his name – he is better known for his defensive work, and his offensive underlying numbers are not at the level of Mingueza.
Overall, the Spaniard is a more dangerous player going forward, which suggests that Mikel Arteta wants more tactical flexibility in the right-back position, depending on the opposition.
Football transfer news headlines today
Transfer Rumours: Gordon ready to make Arsenal move as record deal plotted for summer window
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Gordon takes huge step to move as Arteta prepares big money bid
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Blues step up chase for Scott as Caicedo teammate agrees new contract
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Red Devils overtake Man City in race to sign Champions League star
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
