Arsenal has made a surprise inquiry for Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The Gunners are said to be among a number of European clubs showing initial interest in the former Manchester City star, along with his former club Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Inter Milan, and Aston Villa.
After spending two years in Saudi Arabia, where he receives a weekly salary of £397,000, Laporte may return to Europe. According to reports, Al-Nassr wants to recover at least a portion of the €27.5 million (£23.6 million) they spent on the 2023 summer Champions League winner.
Laporte spent five years at the Etihad Stadium, helping Manchester City win twelve major awards, including the treble in 2022–2023, his last season there. With 180 games played for City, the 31-year-old defender scored 12 goals, contributed four assists, and won the Premier League six times.
Since joining Al-Nassr, he has been a consistent player; nevertheless, he had a dismal 2024–25 season due to injuries, making just 30 appearances in all competitions and tallying just five goals.
Al Nassr set asking price after Gunners knock for Aymeric Laporte
However, Arteta and Berta are still knocking for another defender despite their wish to keep Calafiori. Aymeric Laporte, a former Man City player who transferred to Al Nassr for £23 million in the summer of 2023, has reportedly drawn interest from both the Gunners and Aston Villa, according to Spanish publication AS.
A return to Europe to play in the Champions League next season is believed to entice the 31-year-old, who was Spain’s first-choice center-back prior to the most recent round of internationals.
Laporte made his name at Athletic Bilbao after graduating from the academy, and Ernesto Valverde was also trying to entice him back there before he moved to City for £55 million in 2018.
According to the article, Al Nassr is apparently seeking £20 million for the center-back, while Marseille, Inter, and Napoli have also knocked on his door this summer.
