Arsenal have reportedly held talks with the representatives of right-back Benjamin Henrichs from RB Leipzig. Arsenal are on a spending spree this summer having signed Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and being close to finalizing a Premier League record fee for Declan Rice. It looks like the club wants to make things right after what happened at the end of last season.
Benjamin Henrichs is a 26-year-old right-back who graduated from the academy of Bayer Leverkusen. He helped Leipzig win the DFB Pokal Cup last season after defeating Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals and Eintracht Frankfurt in the final. He has made over 120 appearances in the Bundesliga alone which means he has decent experience.
According to Sport Bible, Arsenal have already inquired about the availability of Benjamin Henrichs to his representatives. The 26-year-old defender has a contract with Leipzig till June 2025. Moreover, Leipzig coach Marco Rose sees Henrichs as a vital part of the team. So, the Gunners must work through if they want Henrichs at the Emirates Stadium for the 2023-24 season.
Arsenal suffered in the right-back position last season. If it was not for makeshift right-back Ben White, their season could have been over a lot sooner, let alone being in the title race against Manchester City. First-choice right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu has turned out to be injury prone and missed most of the matches since the start of last season.
Mikel Arteta has eyes on Benjamin Henrichs as a backup target, according to German reports 👀🇩🇪#Henrichs #RBLeipzig #Arsenal #AFC pic.twitter.com/nTtgoFfhCQ
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) July 4, 2023
Now, Arsenal are back in the Champions League and will need quality first-team players to put up a fight. They cleared the Europa League group stages last season with the help of their youngsters. However, in the Champions League, it will be different as every team fields their best 11 in order to win every match. Arsenal could even get knocked out in the preliminary stages if they get a tough group.
Is Benjamin Henrichs the Perfect Option to Address the Right-back Problem at Arsenal?
Being from RB Leipzig, he exudes energy and intensity on the field. He is at the physical prime of his life and could help Arsenal in having control of the game. Like a typical modern-day fullback, he likes to attack and make goal contributions. Although he is not as prolific as Trent Alexander-Arnold or Joao Cancelo, he could still be counted upon in an attacking situation.
Moreover, he doesn’t forget his primary duties of defending and making interceptions. He is very good at sensing the threat and holding onto the ball. Henrichs doesn’t get carried away and give away possession by playing long passes, instead, he likes to play short and keep the ball. This could help Mikel Arteta’s playing style and building from the back.
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Arsenal have identified Benjamin Henrichs as a backup option in case they do not get Joao Cancelo or other primary targets. The 29-year-old Portuguese has an uncertain future at Manchester City. The Gunners want to bring the creative full-back to the Emirates as he has amazed the footballing world with his bits of magic wherever he has been throughout his career.
Arsenal could also look at Spanish sensation Ivan Fresneda. Cancelo and Henrichs both seem expensive options as they have four and two years left on their contracts respectively. After a spending spree, it makes sense for Arsenal to sign Fresneda, who is a much cheaper option despite checking all the requisite boxes needed to play under Mikel Arteta.
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