Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey, but how would the 20-year-old fit into Mikel Arteta's plans?
Arteta will be pretty happy with the right-back options he currently has with Hector Bellerin the starter and Cedric Soares slotting in when needed, as he did last time out in the win over Leicester City.
But the Arsenal boss could still find himself searching for a replacement this summer with Bellerin being heavily linked with a move back to Barcelona.
According to recent reports, Arteta promised Bellerin a discussion on his future this summer after convincing his fellow countryman to stay for the 2020/21 season.
How that plays out, if indeed it is the case, remains to be seen, but it does seem as though Bellerin could be someone Barcelona target with the Catalan linked with the right-back for some time.
And that might be why Arsenal are lining up potential replacements, or at least according to reports.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the Gunners have their eyes on Brighton right-back Lamptey as they eye possible replacements for Bellerin.
“For sure, next summer, can happen something big for him," Romano said on the Here We Go Podcast.
“Arsenal are looking at him as possible option at right-back. Keep an eye on Arsenal because they are among the clubs interested in Lamptey.”
The 20-year-old is one of the brightest up and coming players in his position, catching the eye after breaking into the Brighton first team last season following his move from Chelsea in the winter.
Lamptey has since penned a new deal with the Seagulls acting quickly after seeing just how much potential he has, and under contract until 2025 at the Amex Stadium, it could take a large fee to prise him away.
But should he end up in North London, how would Lamptey line up for Arsenal?
Quite simply, he would replace Bellerin at right-back if the Spaniard was to leave, likely starting ahead of Soares.
That would leave the Gunners with a seriously pacey right-hand side between Lamptey and Saka, and both able to play at right-back and right-wing, they could interchange freely to cause opposition teams problems.
The only concern would be whether Arsenal would be left a little lightweight on that side with both Saka and Lamptey small in stature despite their clear defensive abilities which go way behind their size.
Though, Arteta could counter for that with a strong midfielder like Thomas Partey on the right side of the holding double pivot.
With that in mind, here is the full ideal Arsenal line-up with Lamptey in for Bellerin.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Leno; Lamptey, Gabriel, Holding, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Aubameyang.
