Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly set to battle it out with Serie A giants Lazio in the race to sign Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch.
According to a report from Corriere dello Sport, the race to sign Florian Grillitsch in a Bosman is hotting up. 26-year-old The TSG Hoffenheim midfielder has become an in-demand prospect in the market as he is set to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
Arsenal and Newcastle United are among the clubs in contention to sign the Austrian international. But they are now set to face stiff competition from Lazio, with Maurizio Sarri keen on attaining his services in the new season.
Grillitsch is rated highly in the Bundesliga due to his reputation as a combative holding midfielder. Standing at 1.87, he is a midfield enforcer whose imposing frame allows him the superiority in physically and aerial duels. The 26-year-old is equally versatile, as he is capable of operating as a centre-back or even as a central midfielder if required.
In addition to his defensive qualities, Grillitsch is known for his tactical nous and leadership. With 178 appearances in the Bundesliga, he has considerable experience at the highest level of football, thus making him an ideal target for both Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Arsenal, for one, are currently in the market for midfield reinforcements. The north Londoners are indeed short on numbers in the middle of the park, with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka serving as the only reliable options in the second line of press.
In an attempt to mitigate the issue, Arsenal have targeted AS Monaco’s rising Aurelien Tchouameni, but Griliitsch could be a more realistic target, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Another club in contention to sign the Austrian international are Newcastle United. Much like the Arsenal, the Magpies want to add more quality and depth in midfield, with Grillitsch emerging as an ideal option due to his experience, skill and defensive nous.
The Hoffenheim starlet can prove to be a direct upgrade over Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff, both of who are set to leave the club at the end of the season. Given the quality he offers to the table, Grillitsch could be a bargain for Newcastle United, although it remains to be seen whether the Magpies can fend off competition from not only Arsenal but also Everton and Leeds United.
Also Read: Three players Newcastle United should pursue in the summer
In addition to Arsenal and Newcastle, Serie A giants Lazio are also involved in the race to sign Grillitsch in a Bosman move. The 26-year-old midfielder could be the antidote for an ageing midfield unit, and Lazio could provide stiff competition in the race to sign him.
