wicked.football

Arsenal are up against Everton and Leeds United for the signing of soon-to-be free agent midfielder Florian Grillitsch, according to a report.

Grillitsch will end his contract with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim in the summer. He has represented them well for five seasons, so should be an appealing proposition for many other sides to sign.

Turning 27 in August, the Austria international is in the prime of his career. Acquiring a player of his talent – and versatility, since he can also play at centre-back – without a transfer fee would be good business.

One of the clubs hoping to complete such a deal is Arsenal. They are about to lose one of their own midfielders, Mohamed Elneny, on a free transfer as well. Therefore, they need to replenish the ranks in midfield.

Granit Xhaka has committed his future to the club, while Thomas Partey will hope to bounce back after an injury at this season’s end and 2021 signing Albert Sambi Lokonga should keep progressing.

But another option may be of use to Mikel Arteta in his own former position. Therefore, they are looking into a possible deal for Grillitsch, according to the Daily Telegraph.

However, they are not alone in their admiration of the former Werder Bremen product. Indeed, the Telegraph add that Leeds United and Everton are also in contention for his transfer.

Both clubs have endured turbulent seasons in the bottom half of the Premier League. However, despite sitting 16th and 17th respectively, they appear to have just about escaped the danger of the drop.

But each will need to reinforce their squads in the summer to make life easier next season. Leeds wanted to add a midfielder in January – specifically Brenden Aaronson, who is still on their radar – but decided to wait instead.

Now it will be up to Jesse Marsch to collaborate with Victor Orta after he replaced Marcelo Bielsa. Aaronson will be of interest due to a previous connection at RB Salzburg, but Grillitsch could be a smart idea to look into.

Everton also interested in Grillitsch

As for Everton, TEAMtalk exclusively revealed recently that they could move on from January signing Dele Alli. Frank Lampard may want a further evolution in his midfield over the course of his first summer in charge.

Again, Grillitsch would be a useful reinforcement, operating in a deeper territory than the likes of Alli or January loan signing Donny van de Beek.

However, Arsenal may be the most attractive option if they have European football on offer. They are currently fifth, which would give them Europa League football.

What’s more, they still have a chance of breaking into the Champions League. Only three points separate them from fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have played one game more.

Sides of Champions League calibre will also be chasing Grillistch in Germany and Spain. Therefore, Arsenal will have to work hard in their attempts to win the transfer battle.

READ MORE: Arteta turns to PSG star who snubbed Tottenham but Inter lurk for Arsenal target

The post Arsenal eye shrewd midfield signing to upset two Prem rivals and replace identical exit appeared first on TEAMtalk.