Report: Arsenal want Brighton defender

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The Daily Mirror have claimed that Arsenal are interested in raiding Brighton to sign on-fire right-back Tariq Lamptey after his breakthrough form with the Seagulls – as a replacement for Barcelona-linked Hector Bellerin.

Lamptey, 20, joined Brighton in January for a fee of just £5million (We Are Brighton). Since then, he has played 19 times in all competitions – 11 of which have come this term. He is being talked about on a par with England’s best right-sided defenders.

Bellerin is being linked with a return to Barcelona, after leaving La Masia for Arsenal as a 16-year-old. The Gunners are preparing for such an eventuality, by eyeing Lamptey but they are not alone in pursuit of the England Under-21 international.

Lamptey is also a target for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City while Bayern Munich are also said to be keeping tabs on the Brighton star – though it remains to be seen how much he will cost interested parties.

TBR’s view – Is Lamptey good enough for Arsenal?

There is no doubting Lamptey’s attacking prowess. As a right wing-back, or an attacking right-back, Lamptey is impressive going forward. In his 11 Premier League matches this season, he has scored once and laid on three assists.

Defensively, there are certainly more question marks regarding Lamptey. But given the future England international is only 20 and has the speed to get back into position, he certainly has all the attributes necessary to play for a top team.

Arsenal might be his best move, too. A move to City or Bayern would see him initially act as cover but if Bellerin leaves the Emirates, moving to Arsenak would make him first choice over Cedric Soares.