Arsenal are weighing up the possibility of making a move for Hertha Berlin midfielder Arne Maier, according to reports in the Sun.
The 19-year-old has been touted as the ‘new Toni Kroos’ following his performances in defensive midfield so far this season. Maier has played 16 times already this term.
It is understood that the Gunners could face competition for the prospect’s signature from Manchester United, should they choose to pursue a deal for him.
Scouts from both Arsenal and United are expected to travel Germany next weekend to watch Maier as his side come up against Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
Good move for Arsenal?
On the face of it, Arsenal don’t need another defensive midfielder. With Lucas Torreira playing out of his skin, Granit Xhaka installed as one of Unai Emery’s club captains, and Matteo Guendouzi establishing himself as a first team regular, it’s difficult to see where Maier would fit into the Gunners’ plans. That being said, there are plenty of rumours surrounding the club that suggest neither Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are expected to be at the Emirates for too much longer, and if that is the case the Emery may be looking to the future to strengthen his midfield options. The Spaniard seems intent on rebuilding a squad din his image, and Maier could fit that mould perfectly.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
The Gunners are likely to face stiff competition from elsewhere should they choose to pursue Maier, and there’s no guarantee that the Emirates would be his first choice. Having already spent big on central midfielders in the recent past, it could be the case that those in charge of the pursestrings at Arsenal decide that the funds needed to snap up Maier could be better invested elsewhere. The rapid progression of Matteo Guendouzi could also be a stumbling block, with the Gunners already having one of the best young defensive midfielders in the country at their disposal. Signing Maier would be more of an indulgence than a necessity.