Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs monitoring the performances of Hoffenheim midfielder Arne Maier with a view to a future approach for his services.
The Gunners are currently in a comfortable positions in terms of the midfield options with Granit Xhaka, Mateo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira in impressive form while Mohamed Elneny has provided the back-up for the Cup competitions.
Nonetheless, the club are continuing the search for another midfielder in their ranks and according to an exclusive from The Sun, Maier is one of those being closely tracked by the club’s scouts.
Gunners head of recruitment Sven Mislintat has already done quality business for the club with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Torreira among the high-profile signings this year and Maier appears another player, who could fit the club’s criteria.
The club’s hierarchy have shown a reluctance to spend big money when it comes to strengthening the midfield and defensive options and this pretty much makes Maier the perfect fit with Hoffenheim said to value him at just £15m.
Nonetheless, his valuation could be driven up with Manchester United already in the ranks to pursue the teenager, though Jose Mourinho’s reluctance to go with youth in the centre of the park may give the Gunners’ the advantage.
Maier, who has been dubbed the new Toni Kroos, has been ever-present for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga playing every minute to date. His attributes quite match Xhaka with passing and concentration being among his key strengths but he still needs to improve on his tackling and positional awareness.
Arsenal made it 21 matches unbeaten over the weekend where they picked up a slender 1-0 win against Huddersfield Town but they are still behind the final Champions League qualification position on goal difference to Chelsea.
