Arsenal and Newcastle United could target Florian Grillitsch as the midfielder is available on a free transfer in the summer window.
According to German publication Kicker, Florian Grillitsch is a potential target for Premier League sides next summer when the midfielder becomes a free agent. Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly among the sides interested in him.
Florian Grillitsch has had a productive few years at Hoffenheim. Since arriving on a free transfer from Werder Bremen five years ago, the defensive midfielder has played 145 games across all competitions for the German side so far, becoming a key part of their success in that period.
The midfielder still harbours the ambition of helping Hoffenheim to European places this season, although he has a contract that expires within six months. After showing no interest in signing an extension with the Bundesliga side, the Austrian is set to leave on a free transfer.
His stance has not changed since last summer, as he failed to agree on a move to AC Milan. The Italian side’s offer failed to convince the midfielder, who chose to stay rather than move, hoping to find a better club next summer.
There was interest earlier in the January window, but the midfielder had a bout with Covid in January, which might have put off any potential move. Newcastle were reportedly keen on signing him to strengthen their squad for the relegation battle.
But the Magpies opted to sign Bruno Guimaraes, who has a different profile to Grillitsch. The Austrian is more defensive-minded while being capable of playing in midfield and the defence. His versatile qualities continue to impress the Magpies, who could come back for him in the summer window.
The prospect of signing him on a free transfer certainly is an attractive idea for any club, although Newcastle are not too worried about saving on costs at this moment. Still, they might go back with a contract offer before the season ends, although they have competition from Arsenal for Grillitsch.
Mikel Arteta will likely continue his rebuild plans in the summer window after only clearing out unwanted players in January. The Gunners were looking for a defensive midfielder among other targets in the window, although they were unable to make any senior signing.
The links to Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa showcased their need for a defensive midfielder. With Arteta likely to shore up his forward line in the next window, a bargain opportunity like Grillitsch could certainly appeal to the club. It remains to be seen whether the Austrian is the type of player Arteta wants for this Arsenal squad.
One way or another, there will be clubs queuing up for Grillitsch well before the season ends. He remains an experienced and impressive option in midfield, which will catch the attention of several clubs from the Premier League and Europe.
