Arsenal have joined Aston Villa and Fulham in the race to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The Gunners are preparing for another busy summer. A versatile full-back could be prioritised with the potential exits of Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
White has largely played second fiddle to Jurrien Timber at right-back when the latter has been fit, and he could be sold as he enters the last two years of his contract.
Lewis-Skelly has become the club’s third choice left-back behind Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori this term, and Arsenal are open to selling him for a premium fee.
Amidst this, The Telegraph claim that the Gunners are weighing up a move for Mingueza, who can negotiate a pre-contract with his Celta contract expiring on June 30.
The La Masia graduate started his career as a central defender, but he has featured as a right-back or left-back for Celta during the course of the ongoing campaign.
The Gunners see him as an alternative to Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento.
Mingueza would be a better signing than Livramento
The former Barcelona man has made 40 appearances for Celta this term, managing seven goal contributions. He has also caught the eye with his tackling and recoveries.
Mingueza is predominantly right-footed but has played more as a left-back this campaign. We believe he would be a better acquisition than Livramento in the next transfer window.
Livramento, who is also comfortable in both full-back roles, could be available for around £60m this summer, with his Magpies contract due to expire in the summer of 2028.
However, his injury record is a big cause for concern. The former Chelsea youngster has been injury-prone in his career and has missed 30 games for club and country, with three injuries this season.
In comparison, Mingueza has missed just one game due to a hamstring issue since the start of the 2023/24 campaign. His availability makes him a better acquisition for the Gunners.
Mingueza presently earns only £19,000 per week at Celta, compared to £50,000 per week for Livramento at Newcastle. Arsenal could sort out personal terms for a lesser package with the former.
The Spaniard will demand a good signing-on fee, possibly £5-7m, but would still represent a bargain signing compared to Livramento, who would cost £60m in transfer fees alone and has a concerning injury record.
It remains to be seen whether Mingueza would accept a rotational role at Arsenal or join one of Aston Villa or Fulham, who could guarantee him more minutes in the starting line-up next season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Sofascore.com & Capology.com