Austrian midfielder Florian Grillitsch is in the final year of his contract at Hoffenheim.
The 26-year-old defensive midfielder joined Hoffenheim from Werder Bremen on a free transfer in 2017.
He has developed into a first-team star over the next few seasons, registering eight goals and 11 assists in 145 appearances.
With the player’s contract expiring in a few months, Grillitsch has drawn attention from other European clubs.
The player has also changed agents recently, joining the ICM Stellar Sport agency last year.
Which clubs are interested in Grillitsch?
According to German news outlet Kicker, Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in signing the Austrian midfielder.
His stock in Italy is at an all-time high, with Roma, Lazio and Napoli also monitoring the player.
AC Milan made a failed attempt to sign him last summer.
Why is he a perfect signing for Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta’s vision to rebuild Arsenal has seen the manager get rid of plenty of deadwood at the club.
He has received heavy backing from the club’s owners, with Arteta spending money on young players, most of whom are first-team regulars at the moment.
Despite numerous transfers (both in and out) Arsenal have pushed on this year, but there are glaring gaps in the defensive midfield and number nine position.
Thomas Partey is a regular starter in midfield, but Albert Sambi Lokonga needs more time to grow himself at the Emirates Stadium.
Granit Xhaka has repeatedly failed to prove his worth at Arsenal, while Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira are unlikely to return to the club.
It has left the Gunners needing another steady player in defensive midfield, with Grillitsch potentially being that option.
He is a clean passer of the ball and excellent at reading and breaking up attacking plays.
Much of this anticipation comes from his ability to also play as a makeshift centre-back.
Alongside Partey, Grillitsch could form a potent deep-lying midfield partnership for Arsenal.
How he can help the Gunners sign a world-class striker
Arsenal recently parted ways with Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
They are also likely to lose Alexandre Lacazette on a free transfer this summer.
It has left them vulnerable, and they will need to spend a considerable sum to land a replacement forward.
The potential free transfer of Grillitsch will allow Arsenal to save serious funds on a defensive midfielder, which they can then use to land a top-quality number nine next summer.
However, the deal is still far from being done. With so many clubs interested, Grillitsch and his agency are likely to make sky-high demands.
