In a recent report, The Sun has stated that Arsenal are leading the race to recruit Brighton and Hove Albion full-back, Tariq Lamptey. However, it is believed that the Gunners will have to pay a significant fee to secure the signature of the English youngster as Chelsea will get a percentage of Brighton’s fee due to an undisclosed sell-on clause in the player’s contract (via The Sun).
Lamptey’s Injury-Plagued Season In English Football
Lamptey is having an up and down season at the American Express Community Stadium despite producing a few eye-catching displays on the right side of Graham Potter’s defence. He has missed a significant chunk of this campaign because of a hamstring injury. The London-born prospect has made 11 appearances for the Seagulls this term, netting one goal and grabbing three assists in multiple competitions.
The 20-year-old deserves a pat on the back for influencing the game at both ends of the field as he is averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 0.5 shots, 0.9 key passes, 0.9 crosses and 1.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in this Premier League campaign. He has been relatively tidy when interchanging possession with his teammates from the right-wing after completing 78.1% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
What Will The English Right-Back Bring To The Emirates Stadium?
Lamptey is a very quick and agile full-back and can be a composed dribbler with the ball when he is moving a full speed down the right flank. He has excellent balance and can get to the by-line using his pace to whip in some dangerous crosses into the opponent’s penalty box.
The English sensation can time his tackles well and is not shy of producing a tireless shift for the benefit of his team. However, he needs to hit the gym and work hard towards improving his strength if he wants to be a success story in the Premier League.
Lamptey’s recent injury record will be a cause for concern for any of his potential suitors, including the Gunners. Still, there is no denying that he will be a welcome addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad and could be an ideal long-term successor to Hector Bellerin, who is facing an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium with Barcelona showing interest in signing him. With all things considered, Arteta would be wise to get Lamptey on board as he has a lot of room to improve and could become a regular starter at Arsenal for years to come.
