Arsenal have shown an interest in Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch but face competition from Newcastle United for his signature.
That’s according to Kicker, who report that the Austrian is set to leave the German club on a free transfer in the summer.
The magazine explains that while other players at Hoffenheim are extending their contracts, Grillitsch is yet to do so, and there are no signs that he will.
Indeed, for all intents and purposes, he will be leaving the club how he arrived, on a free transfer in the summer transfer window.
There is a feeling that had he not contracted Coronavirus at the beginning of January; he would have moved in the winter window, with that positive test ruling a deal out last month.
Now his eyes are on the future, and a departure in the summer is ‘taking on more and more concrete form’.
According to the magazine’s information, clubs from England and Italy are ‘courting’ the Austria international.
Arsenal and Newcastle are named as his suitors from the Premier League, while Roma, Napoli and Roma have shown an interest as well.
A move to Milan was ‘on the horizon’ but failed in the summer because they could not agree on a transfer fee at the time.
Grillitsch was left ‘unimpressed’ by this, and while he has maintained his performance levels, efforts have been made behind the scenes to swap clubs, with him changing agencies.
He’s now a part of ICM Stellar Sport, something which is seen as ‘another indication’ that he is eyeing a move in the summer.
Whether Newcastle or Arsenal are willing to make a move then isn’t’ mentioned, but the interest from the Magpies and the Gunners is there nonetheless, and this is one to keep an eye on moving forwards.
ICM represent a whole host of players in England, including the likes of Rob Holding and Jonjo Shelvey, so that would suggest they have the contacts to make a move to the Premier League happen with ease, should that be where Grillitsch wants to move.
