Arsenal Scouting Brighton Youngster For Cover In Defensive Position: Why Arteta Should Get Him | OneFootball

Arsenal have done surprisingly well this summer in terms of bringing in talent into their squad. Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have all been exceptional for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta has been able to shore up his defensive shortcomings with his new signings. Since the Spaniard had all the players available, his team has conceded only one goal in four league games.

However, there seems to be a lack of depth in the right-hand side of their defence with only Cedric Soares available as cover. With all due respect to the Portuguese, Mikel Arteta will be looking for options in that right-back spot as Cedric has not been at his best recently. Apart from that, Arteta will be hoping for a defender with a different skill set to Tomiyasu so as to enable the team to be more fluid in attack.

According to Spanish news outlet fichajes, Arsenal are monitoring Brighton’s young defender Tariq Lamptey with keen interest.

Lamptey’s Rapid Rise To Success

The former Chelsea youth player joined Brighton in 2020. Still only 21 years old, Lamptey had a breakout season in the League last term. Mostly found hugging the right touchline, Lamptey often looked to stretch the opposition using his pace, flair and running. His direct approach from the back was instrumental for the Seagulls last term.

He was enjoying a terrific campaign last term with Brighton before picking up an injury during a league match against Fulham in December. However, following a 45-minute appearance against Swansea in the Carabao Cup last month, Lamptey can finally be claimed to be fit for first-team action.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Tariq Lamptey of Brighton and Hove Albion celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 01, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images). The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/) and Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/).

Why Arsenal Are Interested?

As mentioned earlier, one of the positions that Arsenal will look to strengthen in defence is the right-back spot. Beyond Tomiyasu, the Spanish coach will look for an offensive player who can do more damage up the field. The Japanese trained as a centre-back and adjusted his position to the right-back, which has made him defensive in his mindset. His performances are more than excellent these days, but he cannot fulfil certain criteria that Arteta may ask for in complicated matches.

The Spanish coach, taking this detail into account, intends to incorporate a more offensive profile. He will look to sell Cedric Soares, who does not fit into the team’s plans. Hector Bellerin, now on loan at Real Betis, has already given his ultimatum about his return, while Maitland-Niles is more of a midfielder these days. So all these circumstances point towards Arsenal’s genuine interest in Lamptey.

Why Tariq Lamptey?

With just 20 competitive appearances for Brighton, Lamptey may not have too much experience at the highest level. However, he does offer a lot of promise and the potential to become one of the best wing-backs in the League. Arsenal themselves have enjoyed a lot of success in nurturing young talents in recent years, making the Emirates an ideal destination for Lamptey.

The Brighton starlet is not the only option at right-back for Arsenal, though, with the Gunners also in the market for Leicester City’s rising talent James Justin while Max Aarons could be another candidate.