Arsenal are reportedly placing themselves at the front of the queue to secure a major defensive upgrade. The North London side want to add elite depth to their backline in the summer window. Newcastle’s defender Tino Livramento has become a primary target for the club. They are looking to make major additions to the squad as they build for a new era in the Emirates.
The status of the Tino Livramento chase by Arsenal
Newcastle originally paid around £32 million to sign him from Southampton in August 2023. However, his current valuation has soared significantly since that move. Transfer market reports his market value at €40 million. But Newcastle wants at least £60 million to sanction a sale.
Some reports even suggest the asking price could reach as high as £100 million for the 23-year-old. His current contract runs until 2028, but negotiations for a new deal have stalled recently.
Newcastle right now sit in 12th place in the league and look likely to miss out on European football entirely. This issue is a major factor in the deal. The player reportedly wants to play in big European matches. This makes a move to the North London club more likely, as they can offer what the player wants. Meanwhile, Man City, Liverpool, and Man United also keep a strong interest in the player.
The profile of Livramento?
Tino Livramento has a profile that fits the modern game very well. He has recorded a pass completion rate of nearly 90% in the league this season. Moreover, his forward passing is a key trait. He boasts an impressive 83.5% accuracy when playing the ball forward.
The defender thrives in one-on-one situations and has incredible recovery speed. He has contested 645 duels this season, which ranks him within the top ten in his squad. His contributions are also huge, recording 68 interceptions and 114 headed clearances.
His flexibility is also a key asset for Eddie Howe. He can play as a right-back or a left-back with equal comfort. This range has been crucial for the strategic demands of the Magpies’ boss. In addition, he was a vital part of the England side that won the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He even made the team of the tournament for his stellar displays.
Why Arsenal view Livramento as a vital signing?
The Gunners view the young defender as a worthy long-term successor for Ben White. White has been a regular presence but has seen his playtime decrease lately due to the form of Jurrien Timber. He has only played seven league games this season. The club are ready to sell him to fund new arrivals. Everton and Manchester City are tracking his status.
But there is a debate among fans over if the club truly needs a new defender. Some fans believe that he would just be a backup for Timber. If Ben White doesn’t leave this season, the player will become a third-choice right-back. This would make a potential £60 million deal hard to justify. The player also has an extensive injury record. He has missed 94 days this season due to various knee and hamstring issues.
However, the team has heavily used Timber, and the staff want to avoid burning him out in future campaigns. Livramento can be the perfect rotation option for him. The player has not made a single error leading to a goal during his entire time with the Magpies.
This defensive consistency is highly appealing for a title contender. With such a huge potential fee, Arsenal should look into every aspect of the deal before signing the player.
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