At a Glance:
- Claudio Giraldez on Arsenal target Oscar Mingueza’s future.
- Mingueza is likely to leave Celta Vigo in the summer.
- Arsenal are also targeting right-back Tino Livramento.
Celta Vigo manager Claudio Giraldez has revealed that Arsenal target Oscar Mingueza is likely to leave the club in the summer.
Arsenal could sign Mingueza for free as he is yet to extend his contract beyond 2026.
With Ben White struggling for form recently after having suffered several bouts of ill-timed injuries, the Gunners may have to dip into the transfer market to sign a new right-back.
Everton are interested in White and perhaps the Hill Dickinson Stadium could be the ideal destination for the Englishman to play more regular football and return to his absolute best.
Fortunately for Mikel Arteta’s side, it looks increasingly likely that the 26-year-old could be on his way out of the Estadio de Balaidos in the summer.
Arsenal target Oscar Mingueza is likely to leave Celta Vigo
Considering Mingueza broke through as a promising centre-back at Barcelona, Arsenal fans might wonder whether whether he has played enough minutes as a full-back.
What stands out about the Spanish international is his versatility, as he has played as not just a right-back but even as a central, right-sided as well as a left-sided midfielder and at left-back this season.
| Oscar Mingueza: 2025/2026 season | |
| Positions played | Appearances |
| Right-back | 10 |
| Left-back | 5 |
| Central midfield | 1 |
| Right midfield | 3 |
| Left midfield | 1 |
Mingueza has played 10 times at right-back, five times at left-back, thrice as a right-sided midfielder and once apiece in right and left midfield so far. this term.
Claudio Giraldez told SPORT that as much as he would love to keep Mingueza beyond this season, it is unlikely he stays put at Celta Vigo.
“He’s a phenomenal footballer. He has a tremendous personality. I hope he can stay; we know it will be difficult to keep him. I hope he can have a great career because he still has a lot of room for improvement. I love him very much.”
Oscar Mingueza compared to Jurrien Timber
Arsenal are targeting Tino Livramento as well in the summer.
As consistently brilliant as Jurrien Timber has been since last season, the Dutchman needs an able deputy as he is far too injury-prone.
Arsenal will likely be analysing how Mingueza compares to Timber ahead of the summer transfer window.
| Stats in all comps this season | Jurrien Timber | Oscar Mingueza |
| Goals | 4 | 1 |
| Assists | 7 | 6 |
| Aerial duel % | 90.3% | 49.6% |
| Defensive duel % | 88.5% | 29.5% |
| Possession won | 43.9 | 22.7 |
Based on the raw numbers, the Arsenal full-back is in a league of his own compared to Mingueza.
As a result, the Celta Vigo star could potentially serve as a reliable but sure-shot backup to Timber if he joined the English giants.
