Arsenal have reportedly made a move for experienced Spanish centre-back Aymeric Laporte, with sporting director Andrea Berta said to have opened discussions over a potential transfer.
The reported development will immediately attract attention among Arsenal supporters, particularly because Laporte brings something Mikel Arteta’s squad could value highly: Premier League experience, elite-level pedigree and proven ability to perform under pressure.
However, there is an important detail to clarify before assessing the story. Laporte is no longer an Al-Nassr player. He left the Saudi Pro League club in 2025 and returned to Athletic Club, where he remains under contract. Arsenal were previously linked with him while he was at Al-Nassr, but the latest reports circulating about a possible Arsenal approach should therefore be treated as a developing transfer claim rather than a confirmed deal. (Goal)
Arsenal linked with Aymeric Laporte
Interest in Laporte is not completely new.
In June 2025, reports claimed Arsenal had made contact regarding the defender when he was still at Al-Nassr. ESPN reported at the time that Arsenal were among the clubs interested in signing the former Manchester City defender, while other reports suggested Andrea Berta had made contact over a possible deal. (ESPN)
Those previous links make the latest claim particularly interesting.
The new reports suggest that Arsenal could once again be considering Laporte as they look for experience and quality in central defence. If negotiations really are progressing, the Spaniard could represent a very different type of signing from the younger defenders Arsenal have increasingly targeted.
Laporte is now 32, but his experience is considerable.
He spent several seasons at Manchester City, winning major domestic honours and becoming an important part of Pep Guardiola’s defensive unit. He subsequently moved to Al-Nassr in 2023 before eventually returning to Athletic Club in 2025. (Wikipedia)
Why Mikel Arteta could want Laporte
One of Laporte’s biggest advantages would be his familiarity with English football.
He already understands the physical demands and tactical intensity of the Premier League. More importantly, he has played at the highest level for Manchester City, meaning he knows what is required to compete for domestic titles and deep Champions League runs.
His technical qualities could also suit Arsenal.
Laporte is comfortable receiving possession from the goalkeeper and progressing the ball from the defensive line. His ability to play with his left foot could be particularly useful in a possession-heavy system where defenders are expected to contribute to the build-up.
At 1.91 metres, he also offers considerable aerial presence.
That combination of physical strength, passing ability and experience could make him an attractive option if Arsenal are looking for additional depth and leadership in defence.
Laporte has already proven himself in the Premier League
Arsenal supporters do not need to wonder whether Laporte can handle Premier League football.
He spent years competing against Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and other top-flight clubs during his Manchester City career.
He was part of City’s highly successful era under Guardiola and won multiple Premier League titles. He also played a role in City’s historic 2022/23 campaign, when Guardiola’s side completed the treble.
His experience at international level is another major selling point.
Laporte has represented Spain at the highest level and has accumulated significant experience in major international competitions. Arsenal would therefore potentially be adding a defender who has already experienced pressure at club and international level.
The biggest concern: Laporte’s age
There is, however, a strong argument against the move.
At 32, Laporte would not represent a long-term solution for Arsenal.
The Gunners have invested heavily in developing a young, physically powerful squad, and adding an ageing centre-back could be viewed as a short-term strategy rather than another major building block.
Arsenal would also need to carefully assess his physical condition and recent workload before committing to a significant transfer fee and salary.
His time in Saudi Arabia and subsequent return to Athletic Club also means Arsenal would need to determine whether he can immediately reproduce his best Premier League performances.
Arsenal could benefit from his experience
On the other hand, Arsenal’s current ambitions could make an experienced defender extremely valuable.
Young defenders can possess outstanding potential, but title-winning teams also need players who understand how to manage difficult moments.
Laporte has played in title races, Champions League knockout matches and international tournaments. That experience could be particularly useful during the decisive stages of a Premier League campaign.
He could also provide competition for Arsenal’s existing centre-backs rather than necessarily being viewed as an automatic starter.
That could be the most sensible way to approach the potential transfer.
Instead of expecting Laporte to play every week, Arteta could use him selectively in high-pressure matches, rotate him during a demanding schedule and benefit from his leadership around younger players.
But Arsenal would need to get the deal right
The financial side of the potential transfer would be crucial.
When Arsenal were linked with Laporte in 2025, reports suggested Al-Nassr wanted approximately £20 million for the defender. (Transfer Feed)
The situation is now different because Laporte is an Athletic Club player, meaning any Arsenal approach would have to be negotiated with the Spanish club rather than Al-Nassr.
Reports in 2026 have also indicated that Laporte remains a player of interest to other major clubs. Recent coverage has focused particularly on Barcelona, demonstrating that Arsenal would potentially face competition if the defender became available. (Tribuna)
Would Laporte be a good signing for Arsenal?
There are compelling arguments on both sides.
The case for Laporte is straightforward: Premier League experience, Champions League pedigree, international experience, leadership, aerial ability and excellent distribution from defence.
The case against the transfer centres primarily on age, potential wages, injury risk and whether Arsenal should instead invest in a younger centre-back with greater resale value.
If Arsenal could sign Laporte on reasonable financial terms and use him as an experienced rotational option, the move could make considerable sense.
But if the deal required a large transfer fee and a long, expensive contract, it would become considerably harder to justify.
The latest Arsenal-Laporte claim therefore deserves attention, but supporters should wait for stronger confirmation before treating negotiations as an imminent transfer.
One thing is certain: the idea of Aymeric Laporte returning to the Premier League in an Arsenal shirt would be one of the more intriguing defensive moves of the transfer window.
So, Gunners — good move or bad move? Would you take Aymeric Laporte at Arsenal?
