Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to add VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav to the Arsenal frontline.
Deniz Undav has quietly become one of the most compelling attacking stories in Germany this season. The VfB Stuttgart forward is enjoying the most productive campaign of his career, blending experience with sharp movement and end product.
At 29, Undav is not a breakout youngster, he is an experienced forward operating at full maturity and his numbers of 16 goals and 11 assists across competitions speak for itself. In the Bundesliga, he has shown ruthless penalty-box instincts, while in European competition he has demonstrated creativity and link-up play that extends beyond simple finishing.
This dual threat as both a scorer and facilitator has elevated his profile beyond Germany. Clubs looking for a forward capable of operating within fluid systems rather than functioning purely as a traditional No. 9 are paying close attention.
Arteta’s tactical fit
Mikel Arteta is already mapping out how to refine Arsenal’s attacking unit for next season, and Deniz Undav’s profile aligns closely with the Spaniard’s philosophy.
Arteta values tactical intelligence and positional flexibility in his forwards. Undav offers both. Comfortable drifting into half-spaces, combining in tight areas and pressing aggressively, he fits the template of a modern Arsenal attacker. He is not simply a penalty-box presence; he participates in build-up, connects midfield to attack and reads defensive lines intelligently.
According to Fichajes, a potential transfer fee in the region of €30 million could be enough to open negotiations. With his contract running until 2027, Stuttgart are under no immediate pressure to sell, but the coming summer may represent their strongest leverage point in terms of market value.
From Arsenal’s perspective, the investment would be measured rather than extravagant, a calculated move to add depth and competition in a frontline that has at times lacked variety during congested fixtures.
A defining summer ahead for Deniz Undav
For Undav, a return to the Premier League would represent a significant chapter. Though he has previous experience in English football, a move to a title-chasing Arsenal side would carry different expectations entirely.
Stuttgart, meanwhile, face a strategic decision. Retaining a key performer could stabilise their sporting ambitions, yet capitalising on peak value might strengthen the squad more broadly. Much will depend on the scale and structure of any offer that arrives from north London.
Arsenal are believed to be positioning themselves early, aware that strong European form can quickly inflate interest across the continent. If they intend to act, decisiveness will be crucial.
From a footballing perspective, this move makes sense. Undav brings experience, versatility and consistent output, attributes that can complement Arsenal’s evolving attack rather than disrupt it.
However, there is always a question when signing a player approaching 30, is this the start of sustained peak performance, or the crest of a career wave? Arsenal’s recruitment model has leaned younger in recent years, and this would represent a slight deviation.
If the fee remains controlled and expectations are realistic, Undav could be a shrewd addition, not necessarily a headline superstar, but a forward who strengthens the squad across competitions. For Arteta, it may not be about glamour. It may simply be about efficiency, and Undav fits that brief remarkably well.