Arsenal have held positive initial discussions with the representatives of Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento, according to an exclusive report from FootballTransfers. The Gunners are exploring a potential summer move for the 23-year-old right-back as they consider their defensive options.
The North London club's interest stems from a potential reshuffle in their full-back department. Ben White has reportedly fallen behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order over the last two seasons, with Timber poised to sign a new contract. This situation could pave the way for White's departure, creating a need for a replacement who fits Mikel Arteta's system.
Livramento is viewed by Arsenal's recruitment team, led by technical director Andrea Berta, as a player with a similar profile to Timber. His versatility, with an ability to operate on both the right and left flank, is seen as a particularly attractive asset. FootballTransfers reports that "in-depth" discussions over personal terms have already taken place and have been described as positive, with a belief that Livramento is keen on the move.
However, securing a deal with Newcastle is expected to be a significant challenge. The Magpies are understood to be reluctant to sell the England international this summer. The club's financial position may force them to consider offers for key players, with Anthony Gordon's exit appearing likely and the potential sale of a midfielder like Sandro Tual or Bruno Guimaraes also on the cards. Despite this, convincing Newcastle to part with Livramento would require a substantial fee.
The defender's market value is estimated to be around €52.7 million, according to FootballTransfers' data. A major point of concern for any suitor is Livramento's injury history. Since suffering a serious ACL injury early in his career at Southampton, he has struggled with consistency of availability, often missing periods of several weeks or months at a time. This was noted by Newcastle legend Chris Waddle, who suggested such a record could give buying clubs pause, especially given the high cost involved.
Manchester City are also credited with a longstanding interest in Livramento, which could complicate Arsenal's pursuit. For Arsenal, the move represents a calculated risk, betting on the player's clear technical quality and tactical fit outweighing the durability concerns. For Newcastle, a sale would represent a significant capital gain on a player signed from Southampton in 2023, but would further deplete a squad already facing potential key departures.
