Arsenal are in the midst of a challenge for the Premier League title but Mikel Arteta is already putting thought into potential additions for next season with a Manchester City target on their list
Tino Livramento
Livramento will have just two years left on his deal at the end of the season(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal are keeping tabs on Newcastle defender Tino Livramento as the Gunners plot major summer additions. The North London side are in the midst of a battle for this year’s Premier League crown.
Having put together a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, they are currently favourites to lift the crown. And while there is still work to be done for this season, it appears that Arsenal are already putting thought into a potential title defence.
As per The Telegraph, Newcastle star Livramento is being considered as a potential summer signing. The 23-year-old will have just two years left on his contract at St James’ Park and as yet, talks over an extended stay have been shelved.
Newcastle are keen on Livramento staying but they recognise that his contractual situation could potentially see his value drop. The defender also has the same representatives as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, which could see the Gunners move into prime position for his services should he decide to leave.
Newcastle are expected to demand around £60m for the defender should he be moved on, albeit Eddie Howe has already confirmed he wants to keep him around.
Speaking earlier this season amid reported interest from Manchester City, he said: “Yes, I think it goes without saying [that we want to keep Livramento]. I think it's frustrating for us that we're consistently talking about players, rumoured to be leaving.
“We want to go the other way. We want to strengthen the group. We want to make our team and squad stronger for the future rather than lose our best players.”
Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento is being eyed by Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, Livramento has also expressed his happiness with life with Newcastle. He said: ”The goal was always to be playing in the Premier League as early as possible. I left Chelsea and got that experience straight away at Southampton. I had some tough times with injuries but the club and the fans were great to me.
“Now I’m at a place I absolutely love – the atmosphere, the supporters, the manager, it feels like I’m in a great place at Newcastle. I’m in the best place I could be to learn and develop as a footballer.”
Should Arsenal move for Livramento, that could see Ben White’s future at the club left in question. The former Brighton man already finds himself behind Jurrien Timber for the right-back berth, while he will only have two years left on his deal heading into next season.