Transfer News: Arsenal in discussions over Dominik Szoboszlai transfer

Arsenal have reportedly already entered talks with Dominik Szoboszlai’s agent Matyas Esterhazy over a possible €25 million January deal.

According to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal have reignited their interest in Dominik Szoboszlai and have, in fact, already held discussions with his entourage. The 20-year-old Red Bull Salzburg midfielder, who has a €25 million release clause, is also on the radars of AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli.

Szoboszlai joined Red Bull Salzburg from FC Liefering in January 2018 and has since made some giant strides in their first-team setup. Now a mainstay for the Austrian champions’ the Hungarian international came into the 2020/21 season on the back of his breakthrough senior campaign in club football.

The 20-year-old has only gone from strength to strength at the onset of the current campaign, with 5 goals and 9 assists in 13 appearances across all competitions. His top class displays have piqued the interest of some of the biggest outfits in Europe, with Arsenal among a number of clubs keenly following his progress.

The Gunners have become a largely formidable unit under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta. However, while the defence has improved, the attack has suffered greatly, with creativity, in particular, taking a massive hit, as far as Arsenal’s build-up play is concerned.

Indeed, while the north Londoners strengthened their squad by signing Thomas Partey and Dani Ceballos (loan), they are sorely lacking the presence of a creative midfielder, especially with Mesut Ozil being made surplus to requirements. Hence, Arsenal are in urgent need of either a midfielder or a winger who can provide some much-needed injection of creativity.

Szoboszlai is a player who practically fits both the requirements, seeing as he is equally adept at playing through the middle as he does on the wings week in week out. Arsenal were even linked with the 20-year-old this past summer before a move failed to materialise.

If signed, Szoboszlai’s presence on the left wing could potentially liberate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, allowing the Arsenal striker to play as the central striker. Meanwhile, the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Napoli and Manchester United are also showing an interest in the player.

However, Arsenal have already held talks with the Hungarian midfielder, who has a €25 million release clause in his Red Bull Salzburg deal. In fact, Szoboszlai’s agent Matyas Esterhazy confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the prodigious midfielder recently and the latest development suggests a move could be on the cards.

That Szoboszlai has a release clause worth a mere €25 million further makes him appealing for Arsenal. What now remains to be seen is if talks between the Premier League heavyweights and the player’s representatives move smoothly, paving the way for a winter move.