By Noel Whelan

11th Jan, 2022 | 7:00pm

Arsenal could be about to seal £50m Lamptey signing as 'frightening' update reported - pundit

Noel Whelan has claimed Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey would “slot straight in” at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta continues his “rebuild”.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 21-year-old is “so exciting” to watch and labelled him “one of the best talents” in the Premier League.

According to the Daily Express (6 January), Arsenal and Tottenham are set to battle for the signature of Brighton star Lamptey – who is valued at £50million by the south coast club.

The England Under-21 international is under contract until 2025 after penning a fresh deal in January 2021.

When asked if Lamptey would fit the current philosophy at Arsenal under Arteta, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, absolutely.

“They’re looking for youth at Arsenal at the moment, they’re looking to rebuild.

“They’ve got an exciting, young side now with the players they’ve brought in from elsewhere and the players they’ve brought through their youth setup.

“I think Lamptey would slot straight into Arteta’s plans. Box-to-box, very exciting going forward, can defend.

“When he goes forward, he goes forward with real intent. The pace of him will frighten most full-backs in the Premier League – he’s so exciting to watch.

“He’s one of the best talents in the league, and I’m sure Arsenal would have some real competition to get him.”

Lamptey joined the Seagulls in 2020 after deciding to leave Chelsea in search of first-team football.

Current right-back options for Arsenal include Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares.

Lamptey has made 12 Premier League appearances for Brighton this term, notching one assist.

In other news, Arsenal star undergoing medical ahead of a seven-figure exit.