Arsenal keeping tabs on Bayern midfielder Ryan Gravenberch

Arsenal are monitoring Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reputed journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Gunners are likely to bolster their midfield department at the end of the campaign and West Ham United’s Declan Rice has been earmarked as the prime target.

Rice is a holding midfielder by trade and manager Mikel Arteta could also be tempted to add a central midfielder to the ranks ahead of the 2023/24 season.

According to Plettenberg, the Gunners are now keeping tabs on Gravenberch, who has played just over 700 minutes for Bayern since his summer move from Ajax.

No negotiations have been held between the clubs yet and it is reported that the final decision on the player could depend on new Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Gravenberch would be a quality acquisition

Gravenberch had an impressive 2021/22 season with Ajax. He registered three goals and six assists from 42 appearances across all competitions.

The youngster also won nearly two tackles and six duels per game with a pass accuracy of 86 per cent.

Bayern prised him away for just £21 million last summer as his contract was expiring in 12 months, but the 20-year-old has hardly played for them.

With Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich in the prime of their careers, Gravenberch has spent most of his time on the bench for the Bavarian giants.

He could be tempted to pursue a fresh challenge this summer and Arsenal should make a genuine attempt to secure his services.

The Dutchman is one of the best young central midfielders but has lost his way with the German champions.

He could provide solid competition to Granit Xhaka for the number eight role and ultimately replace him in the starting XI.

Xhaka will be 31 in the first half of next season. Arsenal should be planning for a long-term successor and Gravenberch would fit the bill.

Bayern won’t let him go on the cheap this summer. They bought him for a knockdown fee but could look for a profit through his summer exit.