Arsenal have now entered pole position in the race for a Premier League "starboy", with Liverpool being made to sweat.
Gunners now frontrunners to sign Premier League midfielder
The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points on Sunday, courtesy of a 4-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, despite Declan Rice making a rare error.
The England international lost possession in the build-up to Randal Kolo Muani's goal, just moments after telling his teammates to remain calm, but Tim Sherwood was left impressed by the way he reacted to the mistake.
Rice has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for Mikel Arteta this season, alongside Martin Zubimendi, which means game time has been very hard to come by for Christian Norgaard during his first campaign at the Emirates Stadium.
However, even though Arteta is very well-stocked in the engine room, the north Londoners have set out to sign a new midfielder in the summer transfer window, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are now keen on signing Brighton star Jack Hinshelwood.
In fact, fellow potential suitors Liverpool and Chelsea are being made to sweat, as the Gunners have now emerged as frontrunners in the race for Hinshelwood, who is valued at €45m - €55m (£39m - £47m), alongside Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio Rutter
Arsenal's interest could pose a problem for Arne Slot's side, given that they are currently in a fight for the Champions League places, while Arteta's men are setting the pace at the top of the table.
Hinshelwood could be another "starboy" for Arteta
Bukayo Saka has earned the nickname of 'Starboy' since making his breakthrough at the Emirates, and Statman Dave has suggested the Brighton youngster could also be capable of achieving great things too.
The 20-year-old received high praise during the 2023-24 campaign, and he has since gone on to establish himself as a regular starter for Brighton, making 16 Premier League appearances this season.
The Brithsh starlet put in a particularly impressive showing in his side's 4-3 defeat against Aston Villa in December, grabbing two assists, while he also scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory against Brentford.
Hinshelwood looks like an exciting prospect, but it wouldn't be the end of the world if Arsenal missed out, given that Arteta already has the likes of Mikel Merino, Rice, Zubimendi and Norgaard to choose from in midfield.
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