Arsenal keeping tabs on Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza ahead of summer transfer

Arsenal keeping tabs on Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza ahead of summer transfer

Arsenal are interested in bringing Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza to the Emirates Stadium club in the summer transfer window, according to the Telegraph. The Gunners want to strengthen at the back with the future of Ben White in doubt, and Mingueza’s versatility appears to have attracted Mikel Arteta. The former Barcelona star can play at right-back, left-back and centre-back, and Arsenal could do with such a player going forward. However, the North London club are not the only ones keen on bringing Mingueza to the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Fulham also monitoring him.

The 26-year-old versatile defender will become a free agent at the end of the season, and more suitors could join the Gunners and co in the coming weeks. Mingueza played 66 games for Barca before leaving for Celta in the summer of 2022 and has played four times for Spain. Arsenal have also been linked with Newcastle United right-back Tino Livramento, but they could face competition from Manchester City for his services.

White is expected to seek a summer exit having struggled to play regularly in recent seasons, and the Gunners are scouring the market for potential replacements. Mingueza fits the bill given his technical ability on the ball and defensive capabilities, but whether a move to Arsenal appeals to him remains to be seen. He will be keen to keep playing regularly elsewhere and the North London club are unlikely to guarantee him regular playing chances. However, Fulham could offer him that but will not be playing in Europe next season from the look of things.

Mingueza is not the only defender on the radar of Arsenal and more players are expected to emerge ahead of the summer transfer window.