are interested in signing Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch on a free transfer this summer, according to reports.
The Austria international’s deal with the Bundesliga side is due to expire at the end of June, meaning he is able to negotiate with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement.
The Gunners are looking to improve their options in the middle of the park in the next transfer window, with Mohamed Elneny’s contract up at the end of the season.
The report that Grillitsch has been added to Arsenal’s list of targets for the summer, but there are a number of other clubs interested.
Premier League clubs Everton and Leeds, along with teams from Germany and Spain, are said to be monitoring the 26-year-old.
When Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was asked if he anticipates a busy summer at the north club, he said: ‘I am expecting so, yes.
‘I think both competitions [the and ] require a much larger squad because the amount of games you play is much bigger in both, so I don’t think [which you qualify for] makes a lot of difference or changes a lot.
‘If you can financially afford it and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to do, if you ask me what I want it’s 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers.
‘You have to come a long way in the aspects that you see on the pitch, it’s a lot of things that have to be put in place, and that takes time.’
Arsenal’s chances of landing a place in the top four have been dealt a blow after successive losses to Crystal Palace and Brighton.
The Gunners will be looking to bounce back when they face Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.
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