Arsenal's record-breaking teenage transfer target admits 'absolute dream' of move

Mikel Arteta gestures during Arsenal's win over Brentford in March 2024.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

 Arsenal are keen on Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, according to reports in the German press.

BILD report (as relayed by Sport Witness) that 19-year-old Larsson has been in eye-catching form for the 2022 Europa League winners since joining from  Malmo last summer for an undisclosed fee, reported to be a record sale for a Swedish club.

Larsson himself has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and said last week: “Of course, I read when clubs are interested in me, but that was also the case in Malmo."

Hugo Larsson catches Arsenal eye after strong debut season for Eintracht Frankfurt

Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates after scoring their sides first goal during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at Deutsche Bank Park on October 08, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt is linked with Arsenal (Image credit: Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

The midfielder added: "I like to live in the here and now and Eintracht is the perfect club for me to improve.

"In Sweden, everyone is traditionally focused on the Premier League, and I absolutely dream of playing there one day too. But at the moment I feel very comfortable in the Bundesliga.”

Larsson has made 23 appearances for Eintracht this season and has been noted for his ability to break up opposition attacks, ranking as the club’s best midfielder disruptor with 57 tackles and interceptions, according to FBRef data.

Larsson is also a tidy but unspectacular passer of the ball in his current role, leaving much of the creativity to teammates Mario Gotze and Ellyes Skhiri.

Arsenal have been linked with numerous midfielders including Joshua Kimmich in recent weeks (when aren’t they?) with Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny set to go out of contract while Thomas Partey could be available for sale.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit top of the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference and third-placed Manchester City by a single point.

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Steven Chicken

Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.