Gunners Target Man City Treble-Winner in Shock Defensive Reinforcement
In a surprising twist to their summer transfer plans, Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Al-Nassr over a potential deal for Aymeric Laporte—just one year after the Spanish defender left Manchester City for Saudi Arabia.
The 31-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, is eager to return to Europe ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite having one year remaining on his lucrative Al-Nassr contract. However, the Gunners have been told they must pay a fee to secure his services.
Mikel Arteta, who worked with Laporte during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City, is a known admirer of the composed left-footed centre-back. With doubts lingering over backup options like Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal see Laporte as an ideal addition to bolster their title-chasing defence.
A Coveted Defender with Pedigree
Laporte’s pedigree is unquestionable—a five-time Premier League winner and key figure in City’s historic 2023 treble, he also boasts 222 appearances for Athletic Bilbao, where he rose through their famed Lezama academy.
Despite earning a staggering €25m per season in Saudi Arabia, Laporte is keen on a return to elite European football. Real Madrid explored a move for him during their injury crisis last season, but a deal never materialized. Now, Arsenal face competition from former club Athletic Bilbao, Aston Villa, Marseille, and Inter Milan—all of whom have reportedly reached out to his representatives.
A Proven Winner at the Highest Level
Laporte’s experience and leadership could be invaluable for an Arsenal side looking to finally overtake Manchester City in the title race. His ability to play out from the back and dominate defensively aligns perfectly with Arteta’s system, making him a potentially shrewd signing—if the Gunners can meet Al-Nassr’s demands.
With the transfer window heating up, Laporte’s next move could be one of the summer’s most intriguing sagas. Will Arsenal pull off this unexpected coup, or will another European giant swoop in? One thing is certain: the Spanish defender’s return to the big stage seems imminent.
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