Arsenal Looking To Sign This Soon-To-Be Free Agent: How Will This Midfielder Fit Into Arteta’s Plans? | OneFootball

Recent reports from the German newspaper SportBILD (via Sport Witness) state that Arsenal are keen on signing Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch in the upcoming transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks set to add to his options at the centre of the park.

Grillitsch, who is set to become a free agent this summer, is currently persuaded by Sevilla, Napoli, and Arsenal. The player hasn’t committed to anything as of now; however, the Gunners are planning to use Champions League football to lure him to the Emirates.

Having come through the ranks at St. Polten and Werder Bremen, Grillitsch signed for fellow Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim on a free transfer in the summer of 2017.

Over the course of the last five seasons, the Austrian midfielder has made 151 appearances for Die Kraichgauer, scoring eight goals and assisting 11 across all competitions.

Florian Grillitsch #11 of TSG Hoffenheim takes a shot at goal during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and DSC Arminia Bielefeld at PreZero-Arena on February 13, 2022 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

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Despite missing out on significant chunks of the 2021/22 season due to coronavirus and an unfortunate thigh injury, the 26-year-old has managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board – averaging 2.1 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, two clearances, and 6.6 long balls per 90 minutes in the German top-flight.

Capable of playing as a central or defensive midfielder and down in defence, versatility is one of the Austrian international’s key strengths. Furthermore, being a team player, his ball distribution abilities from the deep are pretty impressive.

How Will The Hoffenheim Star Fit Into Areteta’s Plans?

It seems as if Mohamed Elneny will leave Arsenal on a free transfer this summer. Besides, Thomas Partey has injury concerns himself, while Granit Xhaka’s situation at the club isn’t fully clear yet. Under such circumstances, there’s no doubt that Mikel Arteta needs to sign a quality midfielder who can slot in as a cover in the hour of need – and Florian Grillitsch fits the bill perfectly. At 26, he has fared decently domestically in the Bundesliga, and a free transfer lowers the risks associated with the deal.

Hence, the Spaniard should definitely try and secure his signature in the summer.

(Stats from WhoScored)