Arsenal Eyeing Right-Back Reinforcements: Exploring Livramento and Fresneda Options

Arsenal are reportedly exploring options to strengthen their right-back position as they aim to build a squad capable of defending their title. With uncertainties surrounding Ben White’s future and the need for competition and rotation for Jurrien Timber, the club is looking at potential additions. The Athletic has identified Tino Livramento and Ivan Fresneda as two players who could fit Mikel Arteta’s tactical requirements.

Arteta’s Tactical Demands at Right-Back

The role of the right-back in Mikel Arteta’s system is multifaceted. Ben White, who initially arrived as a centre-back, has demonstrated his versatility by pushing forward from the right-back position, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s attack through overlapping runs and interplay with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. This approach added an extra body in attack, making it difficult for opposing teams to contain. In contrast, Jurrien Timber tends to occupy more central areas during Arsenal’s attacking phases, a tactical nuance that has seen him rank highly for chances created from open play. Regardless of who occupies the right-back spot, the expectation is a key role in Arsenal’s high press, often requiring them to operate beyond the halfway line to pressure opposition wingers and full-backs.

Tino Livramento: Potential and Injury Concerns

Tino Livramento, still only 23, is a player Arsenal are understood to admire. His first full Premier League season at age 18 established him as a recognized talent. However, his injury record presents a significant concern. Recent issues, including a calf injury that impacted his World Cup availability, and a series of knee, hamstring, and thigh injuries, limited him to 17 league appearances last season. Despite this, he managed 37 out of 38 league matches in the 2024-25 season, showcasing his potential when fit. A look at his 2024-25 campaign reveals a well-rounded player who excels in progressing the ball through carries and passes, and is adept on the ball with high link-up play and retention. Livramento’s versatility is another key asset, as he is comfortable playing at both right-back and left-back, a quality Arteta values. His ability to impact games offensively was evident in Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle in May 2025, where his movements created dangerous moments for his side. Furthermore, Livramento has connections to Arsenal, having come through the Chelsea academy and been coached by former Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole.

Ivan Fresneda: Defensive Solidity and Development

Ivan Fresneda, another player who has garnered Arsenal’s attention, was a target for the club when he was 18 at Real Valladolid in 2023. He eventually joined Sporting CP for €9 million. Three years later, Arsenal continues to monitor his progress. At the time of his move to Sporting, Fresneda ranked third across Europe’s top five leagues for minutes played among U21 players. While he is a strong ball-carrier, his defensive contributions have been a standout feature, averaging 2.5 tackles per game in La Liga and conceding few fouls. Although his tackle rate has decreased at Sporting, likely due to the team’s dominance in matches, his defensive tenacity remains evident, as seen in his performances against Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli. Fresneda also demonstrates dedication in defensive duels against top opposition in Liga Portugal. While his final third impact is less pronounced, with no senior career assists, his versatility extends to playing on both flanks and even as a wide centre-back. Those at Sporting describe him as a humble and quick-learning player.

Other Potential Options

Beyond Livramento and Fresneda, The Athletic also highlighted Michael Kayode as a player who would fit Arsenal’s profile. Despite signing a new contract with Brentford until 2032, Kayode’s attributes include strong defensive positioning, pace, dribbling ability, crossing, and a notable long throw, a skill Brentford utilizes effectively. His 13 assists directly from throws in the past season led the Premier League.

Key facts

Arsenal’s pursuit of a new right-back is driven by the need to maintain squad depth and provide competition for existing players. The tactical demands of Mikel Arteta’s system require versatile full-backs who can contribute both defensively and offensively, while also being adept at pressing. Livramento and Fresneda, despite their differing profiles and potential concerns, appear to be players who could fulfill these requirements, offering different strengths that could enhance Arsenal’s title challenge.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7418724/2026/07/08/arsenal-squad-building-right-backs/