Arsenal and West Ham United are reportedly interested in a move for Filip Kostic, although a January transfer could be tricky.
According to Calciomercato, there is significant interest in 29-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt wide-man Filip Kostic in this window, with West Ham United and Arsenal reportedly keen among the Premier League clubs.
Filip Kostic has reinvented himself in a new role at Eintracht Frankfurt, and the stats show it is already reaping the rewards. But with his contract at the Bundesliga club lasting until 2023, the Serb could soon move on and take up a different challenge.
Due to his evolving role as a wing-back this term, which has seen him score three goals and provide nine assists, plenty of clubs from across the continent are reportedly keen on signing him, although Frankfurt’s stance could make things difficult for suitors.
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte was keen on signing him as he continues to search for another wing-back option that suits his style of play. However, Frankfurt are reportedly seeking too much in transfer fees and are not so comfortable losing the player in the middle of the season.
West Ham and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in Kostic, despite neither London club deploying a setup to suit wing-backs. Mikel Arteta might have been looking at a wide attacker or midfielder in the window, albeit not particularly of the Serb’s mould. So it is unclear as to why Arsenal would need Kostic.
While Arsenal have been chasing Juventus’s Dejan Kulusevski, the Swede could command a price of around €35 million in this window. In the last few days, the Gunners have changed their priorities and are now chasing a central striker, with Dusan Vlahovic their primary target.
The Fiorentina striker will come at a huge cost, and hence Arteta could be looking at Kostic as a stop-gap option as Arsenal focus their efforts and finances on Vlahovic.
On the other hand, West Ham are keen on signing a player who can fit into multiple positions. Kostic certainly has that versatility factor about him to play in midfield, a wide role, and an advanced position if needed. David Moyes’s primary objective is to add depth into his squad ahead of the busy second half of the season.
Kostic could be a tricky capture, particularly if Frankfurt refuse to entertain any loan moves for the player. The Bundesliga club might be tempted if a sizeable offer is put on the table, although it is unlikely to happen considering the 29-year-old Serb’s age profile, among other things.
