Arsenal's summer recruitment drive has a clear right-back priority: Tino Livramento. The 23-year-old Newcastle United full-back has been installed as the Gunners' top target in that position, with GiveMeSport and FootballTransfers both reporting positive early discussions between Arsenal and Livramento's representatives. The player himself is understood to be open to making the move to the Emirates, even as formal contact between the two clubs has yet to take place in any meaningful way. Manchester City are also credited with interest, which means this is developing into one of the summer's more competitive full-back pursuits.
Why Arsenal Want Livramento
Ben White's long-term future at Arsenal remains uncertain, and Arteta has been planning for a transition at right-back for some time. Livramento is the sort of profile that fits the system almost perfectly — quick, comfortable with the ball, capable of getting high up the pitch and creating overloads, and defensively solid enough not to be a liability when the team is out of possession. He is an England international still developing his ceiling, which means Arsenal would be signing someone with genuine upward potential rather than a finished article already past their best. At 23, if they land him and he develops as expected, they could have their right-back position settled for the next seven or eight years.
Injury Concerns and Newcastle's Stance
There is a wrinkle in an otherwise straightforward story: Livramento has dealt with injury disruptions this season, which has limited his availability and given some clubs pause. Arsenal's medical staff will have done their homework, and the fact that interest has continued throughout those periods suggests the club is satisfied with their assessment. Newcastle, for their part, find themselves in a peculiar position — potentially losing two of their most valuable wide players in the same window if the Gordon and Livramento deals both go through. The club have not shown any willingness to negotiate on Livramento yet, and with the player contracted and no release clause in his deal, they hold the cards from a purely legal standpoint.
The Man City Factor
Manchester City's reported interest adds a layer of complication that Arsenal will be anxious about. Pep Guardiola's teams have often used attacking full-backs as key components of their system, and Livramento's profile would fit just as well at the Etihad as it would at the Emirates. The key question is which club the player prefers — and current reports suggest the pull towards Arsenal is stronger, though personal preference alone does not close a transfer. City's financial strength means they could simply outbid Arsenal if they decided Livramento was a genuine priority. Arsenal need to move fast and make sure the personal terms are agreed before City escalate their involvement.
Realistic Expectation and Summer Timeline
The fee being discussed in media reports centres around £70 million — a significant investment for a right-back, but not out of line for the quality and age profile on offer. Arsenal have the funds to compete, particularly if they move on players who are surplus to requirements before the window officially opens. The realistic timeline is a deal done in June or early July, giving Livramento the pre-season to settle into Arteta's methods before the 2026-27 campaign begins. If Arsenal dally and City move quicker, they will find themselves back at square one in a market that does not have many Livramento equivalents.
Transfer context: Tino Livramento, 23, England international. Current club: Newcastle United. Reported valuation: £70m. Also linked: Manchester City. Arsenal seeking Ben White replacement at right-back. No release clause in Livramento's Newcastle contract. Injury absences have affected his season but Arsenal's interest has not waned.
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