Arsenal are expected to have a very busy summer transfer window, as manager Mikel Arteta plans to continue moulding the squad into one that fully represents his footballing identity.
Both the Spaniard and technical director Edu were criticised for the recruitment strategy taken last summer, with many questioning whether the club had actually improved their squad. But despite a couple of poor results suffered in the Gunners' last two fixtures, it's fair to say that their summer arrivals have impressed Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, and Martin Odegaard, all producing consistent league performances.
Ahead of the upcoming window, strengthening the team's engine room is imperative, and a whole host of names have been linked with a move to the Emirates, one of which is Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch. The Austria international's deal with the Bundesliga side is set to expire at the end of June, meaning that he will be able to negotiate with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement.
READ MORE: Florian Grillitsch picked to lead Arsenal squad rebuild with Hoffenheim free transfer lined up
While adding level raisers to the first team is imperative for the Gunners this summer, filling the squad with quality depth is also important. The Telegraph states that Grillitsch has been added to Arsenal's list of targets. However, the north Londoners are apparently not the only club interested in the 26-year-old, with both Everton and Leeds reportedly monitoring his situation.
With all of this being said, football.london takes a look into a player who could replicate Granit Xhaka's route to the Emirates Stadium at the expense of probably one of the Swiss international or Mohamed Elneny. With a re-shuffle expected in the summer as Stan Kroenke looks to put his money where his mouth is once more.
Grillitsch started off his career back in Austria at youth level SVSF Pottschach back in 2008 before eventually moving across the border to join Werder Bremen's youth system back in 2013.
Two years on from 2013, the defensive midfielder had progressed to the first team and made 54 appearances in all German competitions for Werder Bremen. During those appearances, he attained a total of 10 goal contributions whilst also winning the German North Champion shield in 2014/15 with the current second-placed side who apply their trade in Bundesliga 2 this term.
In 2017, he moved across Germany on a free transfer after running his contract down to join TSG Hoffenheim. He has made 151 appearances to date and has helped in contributing a total of 19 goal contributions in the blue and white of the German side.
With a big contractual decision coming up regarding what to do next amid Leeds and Arsenal interest, both Premier League clubs would love to take a chance on a player who has a good goalscoring recording for a typical defensive midfielder.
This is also shown by ventures in his early days back in 2012/13, with his 22 goals netted in the OFB Jugendliga U18. A total that achieved him top scorer status that season. If Arteta was to take a chance on the Austrian Youth League U18 winner, he could follow a similar suit to what Xhaka did after his Germany to England move.
