A year ago
Leicester City has set a modest price tag for Arsenal transfer target Timothy Castagne.
The Gunners are looking for a new right-back this summer after Thomas Partey was forced into a foreign role last season.
Mikel Arteta hopes Takehiro Tomiyasu will be back to full fitness in time for the start of pre-season and give Ben White his money, who made the right-back role his own last term.
However, White was signed to play at center-back when he joined from Brighton almost two years ago and with Cedric Soares leaving this summer and Kieran Tierney likely to leave as well, Arteta is keen to experience a change at full-back. The Foxes, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, will not stand in the way of Castane if a suitable offer comes in and, according to Fabrizio Romano, they will find it difficult to turn down offers in the region of €15 million.
Arsenal is still yet to enter into talks with the Foxes and is racing against time to battle for his signing, with Juventus showing keen interest.
The Serie A giants are also interested in signing a new right-back and have put Real Madrid in the hunt for Lucas Vazquez, only to be told the Spain international is not for sale. Meanwhile, Arsenal announced the departure of 13 players on Friday, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles, another player who can play at right-back.
The Hale End Academy graduate has featured prominently in Arteta's early tenure, starting with the 2020 FA Cup final against Chelsea, which the Gunners won 2-1.
Arsenal turned down a £20 million bid from Wolves shortly after that success, but Maitland-Niles has quickly moved into Arteta's ranks and spent last season on loan at Southampton.
"I've seen a lot of players come and go and played with a lot of fantastic players in my time here," said the England international after his departure was confirmed. "Unfortunately it had to end but I'm happy every moment I've spent here playing and working for this club.
"Winning a trophy will probably be the best moment for me, obviously some national seasons have not been great, but at least I can win a trophy with the club I love.
"The FA Cup Final was a fantastic day that I will always remember and I am delighted to have been part of the team that won it."
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