Arsenal are set to beat Borussia Dortmund to prolific German forward Daniel Hanslik as reports emerge of the SV Steinbach striker having a trial at Emirates.
The Sun have reported that Arsenal may be set to steal a march on Borussia Dortmund in the pursuit of prolific German youngster Daniel Hanslik. The versatile forward currently plays for SV Steinbach, but has flown to London and been snapped alongside Shkodran Mustafi and Mesut Ozil, sparking rumours of the player being on trial at Emirates.
Daniel Hanslik is a 20-year-old German youngster who joined German fifth Division side SV Steinbach from Bad Hersfeld in the summer of 2016 on a free transfer. He can play as a wide midfielder, preferring the left side, as well as a centre forward.
The youngster has caught some attention with a prolific season so far for Steinbach in the Hessenliga, with a return of 14 goals and 5 assists in just 18 matches, along with 2 goals and an assist in two appearances in the Hessenpokal, a cup competition.
Borussia Dortmund have a knack for scouring talents in the lower leagues and investing in youngsters with massive potential for a bargain price. Hanslik too seems to have caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel’s side with his prolific scoring in the fifth division.
It appears @Arsenal have taken 20 year old German midfielder Daniel Hanslik on trial after he was pictured at London Colney today. pic.twitter.com/cgZE0ytnAo
— Messi Minutes (@MessiMinutes) February 2, 2017
Die Borussen were primed to land the 20-year-old, but it seems Arsenal have stolen a march, with the player currently in London. Hanslik’s father has neither confirmed nor denied that his son is in London for an Arsenal trial, but the snaps with Shkodran Mustafi and Mesut Ozil have sparked rumours of the same.
Mustafi hails from the same region as Hanslik, the East Hesse region in Germany. The Gunners’ German duo might play a pivotal role in convincing Hanslik to choose Arsenal over Borussia Dortmund.
Manager Arsene Wenger seems to have made strengthening the youth ranks his priority this season, with several youngsters joining the Gunners from the lower leagues. Cohen Bramall is the latest of additions and if the German youngster impresses the Arsenal coaches during the trial period, he may be the next one coming in.
The rise of Dele Alli has now made everyone look up and take note of the talents in the lower leagues, with Everton also sealing a deal for Ademola Lookman while Liverpool and others have also secured players from the lower leagues this season. Hanslik might just turn out to be the next success story.
