Arsenal are eyeing up a move to sign Tino Livramento from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, according to reports in the Telegraph. But they may have a problem when it comes to concluding a deal.
Livramento has been restricted to just 21 appearances for the Magpies this season due to knee and ankle injuries, but is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.
Newcastle only splashed out £40million on Livramento two-and-a-half years ago, but there is talk of him making the move away from St James' Park because of his contract status.
Why Newcastle Could Sanction Livramento Transfer
Tino Livramento in action for Newcastle United
Livramento will only have two years left on his current deal when he reaches the summer and that has led to speculation over where his future may lie.
Contract talks between the player and the club are on hold, although Newcastle would like to tie the full-back down to a longer term deal before the summer transfer window opens.
If there is no movement on a contract extension, however, Newcastle may have no choice but to contemplate offers for the 23-year-old.
Arsenal are understood to be keeping a close eye on proceedings and are interested in making a move in the summer, with Newcastle thought to be demanding at least £60million to sell him.
The Gunners may run into a a problem when it comes to signing the youngster, with reports that Mikel Arteta needs to sell players before he can buy this summer, following the outlay on players in the last summer transfer window.
The Telegraph previously reported that the Gunners need to sell at least one player for big money in the summer and that could impact their ability get a deal for Livramento done quickly, with Manchester City linked with a mvoe in the past.
Former Arsenal Player Has Already Talked Up Livramento
Former footballer and TV pundit Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott, who like Livramento came through the Southampton academy, has likened the 23-year-old to Gareth Bale.
Speaking during the summer, when Livramento helped England U21s to win the European U21 Championships, Walcott said: "He’s kind of a right-footed Gareth Bale in stature and the way he runs, and I feel like he’s the perfect wing-back.
“He’d take on information and he’s such a good listener. He’s very quiet but he really listens well and I think it’s hard to get that balance. He’s a potential future captain because of his presence and how he is around the place.
“He’s got the potential to be that leader and they just want more of that because they can see it in him, I could see it in him. But you need a little bit more out of him and this tournament can bring a side out of him that he’s not used to.”
Alan Shearer has described Livramento as "superb" and "outstanding" during The Rest Is Football podcasts in the past, too.
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