Arsenal 'ready to trigger £34m release clause' of player after Liverpool defeat but it's not a striker

Arsenal could activate the release clause of a highly-rated full-back in the wake of their defeat to Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta's men have been crying out for a new striker to take them to the next level this season, with the Gunners failing to score with their last 48 shots at the Emirates.

Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Jesus have been sharing the responsibility of playing as the lone striker, but it is proving difficult for any of them to make that position their own.

Ian Wright took to social media during Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool to share his concerns, posting "we need a killer" on X to highlight Arsenal's lack of coolness in front of goal.

As much as stats don't tell the full story, the fact Arsenal have put the ball in the net just once from 6.47xG in recent games may be a cause for concern for fans.

Despite this seemingly obvious hole in the side, Arsenal are reportedly focusing on another area of the team.

BILD (via Daily Express) claim the Gunners are interested in right-back Jeremie Frimpong and are considering triggering a £34m release clause in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen.

Xabi Alonso has created a seemingly unbeatable side this season, as Leverkusen remaining unbeaten in the Bundesliga until this point.

Frimpong, 23, is a slightly different mould of full-back than Arsenal are perhaps used to, with the Dutch international averaging a goal involvement every 120 minutes this season (5 goals and 6 assists).

Arteta seemingly prefers more conservative full-backs this season, but the signing of Frimpong could be a ploy to create a more attacking connection with Bukayo Saka down the right-hand side.

Saka has been on the brunt of his fair share of criticism in recent weeks, so the addition of some extra firepower down Arsenal's right wing could be exactly what the team needs.

Frimpong celebrating- Getty

Leverkusen's managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes stated: "At the moment, he is one of the best players in the Bundesliga in his position as an attacking right-back."

Frimpong has recently put pen to paper on a new deal until 2028, but the defender's release clause means Arsenal could make the deal happen. However, a summer transfer is much more likely at this stage.

Leverkusen announced Frimpong's new contract amid heavy links with Manchester United, as Erik ten Hag saw 'advanced talks' breakdown in the summer.

That history may make the potential signing that tiny bit sweeter for Arsenal fans, as they steal one from underneath the nose of their rivals.

Topics: Arsenal, Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League, Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga

Tom Jenkins

Tom Jenkins is a Social Editor and Journalist for SPORTBible. Specialises in Football and F1 but has experience covering a variety of sports such as MMA, Boxing and Cricket. Suffers weekly as an Evertonian.

@tomjenkns