Arsenal have reportedly agreed to trigger the release clause of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
The 23-year-old was strongly linked with a summer exit from Leverkusen, but appeared to end speculation over his future in October when he penned a contract extension until 2028.
However, Frimpong continues to be linked with a move away from the BayArena, with Manchester United believed to be still hold an interest in the former Manchester City youngster.
Arsenal and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest, with a report last month claiming that both Premier League clubs have sent scouts to watch the Netherlands international.
Leverkusen are allegedly reluctant to part ways with Frimpong or any other first-team player during the January transfer window.
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However, Frimpong could be on the move next season, as German news outlet Bild reports that the right-back has a £34m release clause in his new contract that will become active this summer.
The report adds that Arsenal view Frimpong's release clause as a potential bargain and they are prepared to activate it this summer to move ahead of their rivals in the race for his signature.
Speaking in October after Frimpong extended his contract, Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said: "Jeremie Frimpong has not just developed into an extremely popular figure in our squad over the past few years.
"At the moment, he is one of the best players in the Bundesliga in his position as an attacking right-back. The contract extension underlines Jeremie's importance to our Werkself."
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Frimpong joined Leverkusen from Celtic in January 2021 and has since excelled as an attack-minded right-back or right wing-back in Xabi Alonso's side, who currently sit four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table.
The Dutchman was a standout performer for Leverkusen last season, scoring nine goals and registering 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, and he has since chipped in with seven strikes and 10 assists in 22 outings so far this campaign.
Arsenal's interest in Frimpong comes at a time when manager Mikel Arteta has been tipped to strengthen his options at full-back, with a recent report claiming that the Gunners are prioritising the addition of a new left-back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is currently Arteta's first-choice left-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior have both filled in on the left side of defence when needed.
Tomiyasu has also operated at right-back this term in the absence of Ben White, but it is understood that Arsenal may consider recruiting a more attack-minded right-back in the near future, with Frimpong seemingly high on their radar.
Oliver Thomas
