Arsenal join race to sign Spain international on free transfer

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move to sign Celta Vigo right-back Oscar Mingueza as a free agent in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners bolstered their defence with the addition of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie last summer, with the latter’s loan deal set to become permanent at the end of the season.

But the Premier League leaders are keen to further strengthen at the back and are beginning to draw up a shortlist of potential targets as they prepare for the possible departure of both Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

White has dropped down the pecking order as a result of Jurrien Timber’s outstanding form at right-back, and the prominence of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba means there is little chance of the England international staking a claim at centre-half.

Lewis-Skelly, meanwhile, has lost his place to Riccardo Calafiori in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI and the young left-back-cum-midfielder is reportedly attracting strong interest from Manchester United, just a year on from his remarkable breakout season in north London.

According to The Telegraph, Celta Vigo’s Mingueza has emerged as a potential solution at Arsenal should White make his way towards the exit door at the Emirates.

Comfortable operating at right-back, centre-back and left-back, Mingueza’s profile is viewed as similar to that of White and his versatility stands out as a major plus point for the Gunners.

Arsenal have identified the Spain international as an alternative to Newcastle and England star Tino Livramento, who has been heavily linked for some time.

The north Londoners may have to fend off competition from Aston Villa for Mingueza, though, with Unai Emery’s side scouring the market with a view to bringing in competition for Matty Cash at right-back.

Fulham are also said to be in the frame and may represent the best opportunity for Mingueza should the former Barcelona man prioritise guaranteed minutes over realistic trophy aspirations next season.

Mingueza recently severed ties with his long-time agent Josep Maria Orobitg to sign with Unique Sports Group, who already represent a number of players on the books at Craven Cottage.

Serie A giants Juventus are also believed to be following developments having explored a move for Mingueza towards the end of the January transfer window.

While Celta Vigo are yet to give up hope of convincing Mingueza into signing an extension, there is a growing acceptance that the defender will likely be on the move, with contract talks seemingly at an impasse.

Mingueza, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has been capped four times by Spain and was in Luis de la Fuente’s team that lost to Portugal in last year’s Nations League final.

He was also a part of Spain’s squad that picked up a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan.

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