Aymeric Laporte transfer latest: Mikel Arteta verdict, Arsenal ‘hijack’, Tottenham interest
After a historic treble with Manchester City and a Nations League triumph with Spain, Aymeric Laporte is the latest name on the transfer rumor mill this summer. The defender has been linked with a departure from Manchester City in the coming weeks and there are numerous considerations for a next club.
The Spain international has been a fixture at City side since joining from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, making 179 appearances in all competitions. However, the 2022/23 season was anything but good for the 29-year-old, who only made 24 appearances.
With only two years left on his contract, doubts are mounting over a potential Etihad departure and rumors of a move from Tottenham are rife. However, they could face competition from their rivals Arsenal, who are said to be also monitoring the situation.
With that in mind, here we take a look at the latest on Laporte’s possible exit from Manchester City this summer and the battle between the two north London clubs.
Judgment by Mikel Arteta
Man City star Aymeric Laporte has previously claimed he has a “really good relationship” with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and there have been reports of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium this summer transfer window. Speaking of Arsenal head coach in 2020, the defender said: “Mikel is a great manager and for me he was one of the best people I met in Manchester. He’s constantly trying to help the players, he’s had a really good relationship with everyone and especially with me.”
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Arsenal kidnapping
Arsenal could be looking to nab Tottenham’s move to Laporte in the coming weeks as Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim they have joined the transfer race. As the Gunners look to bolster their defensive prowess in defense to pave their way to the Premier League title, the 29-year-old defender is seen as an option for the north London outfit.
Interested in Tottenham
Tottenham are interested in a move from Laporte this summer as part of a major overhaul of their defensive department, according to the Mirror. City are said to be ready to listen to offers for the Spain international with a costly move from Josko Gvardiol looming.
Manchester City departure
Transfer expert Rudy Galetti has claimed there are “concrete chances” for Aymeric Laporte to leave Manchester City this summer. He told GiveMeSport: “There are concrete chances of Laporte leaving Manchester City in the summer. Bayern are interested in him but their priority is to sign Kim Min-jae in early July and Barcelona are on their way as well.” The future of the Spain centre-back, whose contract expires in 2025, has yet to be decided.