Exclusive: Arsenal hold positive Tino Livramento talks

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Steve Kay | Editor

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal have held positive discussions with the representatives of Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento.

The Gunners are in the market for a potential replacement for Ben White, who has fallen behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order over the past two campaigns. With the Dutchman set to sign a new lucrative contract shortly, White could be heading for the exit this summer.

In January, FootballTransfers exclusively reported that Arsenal were monitoring Livramento, who is seen as having a similar profile to Timber. Moreover, his versatility makes him attractive to Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta as he can also play on the left.

Despite the 23-year-old's injury problems this season, we can now reveal that Arsenal have firmed up their interest. Sources close to the situation have informed us that "in-depth" discussions over personal terms have taken place.

These early talks have been described as positive, and there is a belief that Livramento is keen to join Arsenal this summer. It appears that agreeing personal terms with the England full-back will not be an issue.

Livramento to Arsenal: A gamble worth taking?

While talks with the player's camp are proceeding nicely, it is likely to be a different story when it comes to club-to-club negotiations. Newcastle are known to be reluctant to part with Livramento this summer.

Nevertheless, there could be an opening for Arsenal. While reporting on the North London club's interest in Anthony Gordon, we previously revealed that Newcastle have resigned themselves to potentially losing two or three significant players this summer.

Gordon's exit seems almost set in stone now. Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes - but surely not both - could be the second major departure. Summer signing Yoane Wissa has also been linked with a quick sale.

Instead of a midfielder or Wissa, it could perhaps end up being Livramento. In addition to Arsenal, Man City are also showing a strong interest in the 23-year-old, and they have been for some time.

Signing him would be a gamble, though. Livramento has struggled to consistently stay fit ever since he suffered an ACL injury early on in his professional career, and Newcastle's transfer stance means that he will be quite pricey.

Arsenal will have to weigh up whether his undeniable quality is worth the risk of spending big on an injury-prone player. Newcastle legend Chris Waddle recently told FootballTransfers that he believes clubs will think twice about signing him.

"The question mark with Livramento has always been his injuries," Waddle said. "He doesn't get a knock where he's out for a week and misses one game. It's always that he misses four or five games or two months. That will probably be a concern for a lot of clubs looking at him because he wouldn't be cheap."

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