In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal Football Club is reportedly considering a move for Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte, following a devastating knee injury to their new signing, Jurriën Timber
The young Dutch defender’s sidelining has prompted Arsenal to explore potential replacements, with Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte emerging as a possible solution.
The Gunners kicked off their season on a positive note with a 2-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest. However, their elation was short-lived as the £40 million signing had to exit the pitch due to a knee injury.
This development comes from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has shed light on Arsenal’s considerations. The injury’s gravity has left Timber’s return uncertain, paving the way for discussions about Laporte as a potential solution.
Versatile Aymeric Laporte on Arsenal’s Radar
Aymeric Laporte once played a crucial role in Manchester City under Pep Guardiola’s leadership. However, he has found himself out of favor in recent times. The emergence of John Stones, Ruben Dias, and new acquisition Josko Gvardiol has limited Laporte’s playing time. Nevertheless, Laporte’s prowess in ball progression and defensive acumen has caught Arsenal’s attention.
The French-Spanish center-back joined City in January 2018 for a then-club-record fee of £57 million. Manchester City’s evolving defensive lineup has left Laporte on the fringes of the team. Nevertheless, City may not be enthusiastic about selling Laporte to a former title rival.
City’s previous transactions with Arsenal, such as the transfers of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, indicate that negotiations are possible, even when the players hold important roles in Guardiola’s team.
A Move to Al-Nassr?
Reports suggest that Laporte could potentially join the ranks of prominent football figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles at Al-Nassr. This shift could mark a significant turning point in Laporte’s career.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Al-Nassr’s formidable squad has set sights on international success. BBC reports suggest that Manchester City have ‘accepted’ a bid from Al-Nassr for Laporte’s services, a move that could offer a fresh start for the defender.
City, keen on maintaining team harmony and morale, seem to be supportive of Laporte’s potential move. The club’s willingness to let go of the player indicates a desire to facilitate a seamless transition for both parties.
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