Mikel Arteta Weighs Óscar Mingueza Move as Arsenal Plan for Tino Livramento Alternative

Arsenal are lining up a summer swoop for Spanish free agent Óscar Mingueza as Mikel Arteta prepares for another huge transfer rebuild after finally bringing the Premier League title back to the Emirates Stadium, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Gunners have made initial checks on the versatile Celta de Vigo defender, who is available for nothing when his contract expires at the end of next month.

Arteta is desperate to strengthen his squad ahead of another crack at the UEFA Champions League next season and sees Mingueza as a bargain option capable of adding quality, depth and flexibility to his back line.

But Arsenal’s dream target remains Newcastle United star Tino Livramento.

The England international has enjoyed a sensational season at St James’ Park and has been strongly linked with a blockbuster move to Manchester City for months due to Pep Guardiola’s admiration for the attacking full-back.

UNCERTAINTY

However, Guardiola’s departure from the Etihad after the final game of the season has thrown City’s transfer plans into uncertainty, handing Arsenal fresh hope in the race for Livramento.

Even so, the North London giants are refusing to put all their eggs in one basket. And that has pushed Mingueza firmly onto Arsenal’s radar.

The 27-year-old Spain international, capped four times by his country,  is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League and has already teamed up with English agency Unique Sports Group ahead of what promises to be a hectic summer.

Formerly of Barcelona, Mingueza has rebuilt his reputation impressively in La Liga after leaving the Nou Camp, emerging as one of Celta Vigo’s most consistent performers.

Comfortable at both right-back and centre-half, he is viewed internally at Arsenal as a player with similarities to Ben White, whose long-term future remains unclear amid mounting transfer speculation.

White has been linked with several top European clubs in recent months, and Arsenal are understood to be preparing for every possible scenario.

LOW-RISK

Mingueza’s ability to cover multiple defensive positions makes him an attractive low-risk option, particularly given that he would arrive without a transfer fee.

Arteta is determined to avoid complacency after delivering Arsenal’s first league title in 22 years and wants serious competition for places across his squad next season.

Livramento remains the priority target if Arsenal can prise him away from Newcastle, but the Magpies are expected to demand a massive fee for one of their prized assets.

That could open the door for Mingueza to complete a surprise switch to the Premier League champions instead.

And with Europe’s elite clubs also monitoring both defenders, Arsenal know they may need to move quickly before the summer transfer market explodes into life.