According to a report from Express, Arsenal are reportedly planning another transfer move to acquire Aymeric Laporte from Manchester City, which could once again give the Gunners an advantage in the transfer market.
It is understood that the treble winners have set their desired price for Aymeric Laporte as Pep Guardiola gets ready to offload the centre-back during this summer transfer window. With this opportunity, Arsenal could potentially secure their third signing from the Sky Blues within an 11-month period.
Laporte’s Challenging Season At Manchester City
Throughout the season at Etihad Stadium, the 29-year-old defender has faced difficulties in securing a regular starting position in Pep Guardiola’s first-choice lineup. Aymeric Laporte has participated in 24 matches for Manchester City this season across various competitions.
Despite the challenges, the Spanish player deserves recognition for his noteworthy contributions, such as an average of 0.9 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, and 2.5 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. Furthermore, Laporte has displayed accuracy in distributing possession from the back, evident in his impressive pass completion rate of 93.1% in the top flight of English football (statistics sourced from whoscored).
Should Laporte Choose To Exit This Summer?
Laporte showcases strong tackling abilities and an impressive knack for anticipating danger, enabling him to efficiently regain possession for his team in the defensive third of the field when he is confident and in a consistent playing rhythm. He possesses a keen awareness of potential threats and willingly makes clearances when the opposing team is on the attack.
Additionally, his height of 1.89m gives him an advantage in winning aerial duels at the back. However, his true excellence lies in initiating attacks and playing out from the defence.
The potential arrival of Josko Gvardiol at Man City could intensify competition for the centre-back positions and potentially affect Aymeric Laporte’s standing within the squad. Laporte has experienced a decrease in playing time and struggled to make a significant impact in the previous season, subsequently slipping down the squad hierarchy. Reports suggest this has resulted in dissatisfaction from the player. Hence, moving to the Emirates Stadium in search of regular game time could be his only viable option.
At twenty-nine years of age, Laporte is currently in his prime, making him an ideal long-term addition to Mikel Arteta. He possesses the necessary qualities to aid the team in challenging Man City to the title race and competing for major honours in European competitions. However, it is in Pep Guardiola’s hands to sanction his exit, and the Man City boss would have to decide on his future sooner than later.
