Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal told they can ‘easily afford’ Bundesliga midfielder who Mikel Arteta has chased for more than a year

Jesper Lindstrom Eintracht Frankfurt celeb

Arsenal have been told they that ‘easily afford’ a deal to sign highly-rated Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom in the January transfer window.

A report from BILD claims that the Gunners are looking to strengthen their midfield options, with 22-year-old Lindstrom one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets.

Indeed, Arteta has actually been in the market for Lindstrom since the summer of 2021. However, the Denmark international opted to swap Brondby for Frankfurt instead.

Arsenal’s interest has been reignited over the last week or so, with reports stating the north London club have put out feelers to see if Lindstrom will be available.

BILD adds that Lindstrom has welcomed the interest and is ‘delighted’ to hear about the rumours.

The player is also available for a cut-price £18million, a figure that is more than acceptable for Arsenal.

However, there is no suggestion that Frankfurt are actively looking to sell Lindstrom in the new year.

Indeed, their sporting director Markus Krosche recently told BILD: “For us, it is not a goal to give away key players in the winter break. We want to keep our key players.”

While that may be the case publically, it remains to be seen what would happen if a significant offer comes in.

If Arsenal’s interest is indeed genuine, then they may even offer above that figure.

The Gunners may also view Lindstrom as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey, who one pundit believes could be moved on because of his injury issues.

The Ghana star has struggled to put together a string of starts under Arteta. And he is once again a doubt for Saturday’s north London derby after being injured on Ghana duty.

Arsenal interest in midfield duo set to be renewed 

Arsenal were strongly linked with Douglas Luiz and Youri Tielemans over the summer. And Gabby Agbonhalor believes it’s time they cut their losses on Partey.

He told Football Insider: “Arsenal might look in January and think, ‘you know what, we’re third in the league, we’re second in the league, we’ve got a really good chance this season of finishing in the top four’ and they will have to go out and get one.

“Their fans were very upset at the end of the window when they didn’t get one.

“Thomas Partey is always getting injuries, he’s very injury prone. Xhaka’s been outstanding, Lokonga is still up and coming but they need one more.

“It was strange that they didn’t fill that position. Especially when they know Thomas Partey is not going to play a lot of games this season. Because he’s always injured.

“They need to definitely get one in during the January window.”

Both Luiz and Tielemans are expected to be available in January. Although that largely depends on how Aston Villa and Leicester are doing respectively.

The Gunners are back in Premier League action this weekend when they host Tottenham.

A victory over their north London rivals will see Arsenal move five points clear of Spurs at the summit.

READ MORE: Club chief reveals how he put foot down on Arsenal summer bid for star talent ‘under any circumstances’