The North London club is reportedly interested in acquiring a Bayern Munich player, with head coach Mikel Arteta aiming to bolster his squad with promising young individuals.
During the recent transfer window, the Gunners brought in eight fresh faces, including Kepa Arrizabalaga as goalkeeper, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie to fortify the defensive line, Christian Norgaard and Ebere Eze for midfield duties, and Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres to strengthen the attacking options.
Arsenal reportedly pursuing Bayern Munich’s rising star to enhance midfield competition
Despite having a number of midfield options such as Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, as well as recent acquisitions Eze and Norgaard, Arteta has shown a consistent dedication to integrating young talents into the central midfield during his tenure.
Arteta has notably provided opportunities to the two youngest players ever to feature in the Premier League, Nwaneri and Max Dowman, both products of the Hale End academy, with expectations that they will become key members of the first team in the coming years.
According to Christian Falk of BILD, the Gunners have expressed interest in the 17-year-old Lennart Karl.
The German player recently became the youngest Bayern Munich player to score in the Champions League, surpassing Jamal Musiala’s record with a goal against Club Brugge at the Allianz Arena, prompting suggestions for Julian Nagelsmann to consider him for the senior national team.
Sport Witness has referenced reports from the German media suggesting that Arsenal faces competition from Manchester City and Chelsea in the pursuit of the young midfielder.
Nwaneri has seen limited playing time this season, with Eze and Merino being preferred in midfield roles, so acquiring another teenager in a similar position could lead to increased competition for spots. It seems unlikely, however, that Karl represents a primary target for the club.
FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal has been trying to improve its youth recruitment over the last year and a half, bringing in players like Tommy Setford and Victor Ozhianvuna to add to the pool of talent emerging from the Hale End academy.
However, Karl’s contract with Bayern extends until 2028, and acquiring him won’t be an inexpensive endeavor, considering his emergence into Vincent Kompany’s plans. Arsenal is expected to face tough competition to secure a player who has the potential to become world-class in a position where they already have ample options.
With Michael Ballack representing him, Chelsea may perceive an advantage in securing the German talent. Arsenal will need to convince the player’s representatives that they can provide significant first-team opportunities within a squad already brimming with young talent, many of whom have recently signed new contracts.
Karl’s estimated market value is €20 million, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal’s next Premier League match is against Burnley next weekend.
