Tottenham have put Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at the top of their summer wish-list, according to Football Insider, but Arsenal should attempt to rival their North London rivals.
The Gunners, as well as Everton and Spurs, were said to be keen on signing the Saints captain during the January window, however nothing materialised.
Now Jose Mourinho’s side have set their sights on signing the Denmark international when the summer window opens, and Arsenal should look to compete with their bitter rivals for the midfielder’s signature.
Football Insider claim that the 24-year has knocked back Southampton’s contract advances, while he has also hired super-agent Pini Zahavi, which could indicate that he has his heart set on a summer move away from the Saints.
Formerly of Bayern Munich, the Champions League-winning midfielder could suit Arsenal’s quick pressing style, while Arteta specified in January that he wanted to sign a box-to-box player, someone he wasn’t able to get.
With Granit Xhaka’s long-term future unclear, and the Gunners needing to freshen up their squad as they bid to get back into the Champions League next season, someone as experienced as Hojbjerg could be a wise investment for the London club.
Hojbjerg has featured 27 times in the Premier League this season, playing an integral role as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have fought back against what once seemed like inevitable relegation for the South Coast side.
The Dane ranks above all of Arsenal’s midfielders as far as WhoScored’s average match rating over the course of the season is concerned. Hojbjerg has been valued at 6.83, while Arsenal’s midfielders pale in comparison, with Granit Xhaka (6.8), Matteo Guendouzi (6.74), Dani Ceballos (6.7), Mesut Ozil (6.68), Lucas Torreira (6.61) and Joe Willock (6.29) all ranking lower.
Having entered the final 18 months of his contract at St Mary’s, Southampton may feel that they need to cash in on the player in the summer if he doesn’t reverse his contract stance, and Arsenal should consider joining Everton and Spurs at the front of the queue.
