Arsenal Have Made ‘Initial Contact’ To Sign £17M Rated Austrian But PL Rival Is Leading Transfer Battle
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Arsenal are one of three Premier League clubs lining up moves for Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.
4-4-2.com claim that the Gunners have made “initial contact” about signing the 17-year-old, having recently sent scouts to watch the player in action.
However, Brighton and Aston Villa are also keeping close tabs on Weinhandl’s progress, with the Seagulls said to be leading the race for the Austrian youth international.
The situation could change before the New Year, but Sturm Graz will only offload the player for the right price.
How much would Arsenal need to pay?
Weinhandl’s valuation has reportedly been set at around £17m or €20m, with Sturm Graz not in a position where they need to sell him for a low fee.
It should be pointed out that Premier League clubs will have to wait until the midfielder turns 18 to officially sign him, but his birthday is on the 11th of January, which is right in the middle of the next transfer window, so there will be no issues there.
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What do fans need to know about Weinhandl?
The teenager was born in Graz, and he came through the ranks of his local club, making his debut for the first team against SCR Altach in the quarter-finals of the Austrian Cup back in February.
Weinhandl went on to score his first goal versus TSV Hartberg at the back end of last season, and he put in his best performance at senior level so far against Hearts in the Champions League a couple of months ago.
He played an important role as Sturm Graz secured a 4-0 win over the Scottish side in the first leg of their second qualifying round tie, scoring a goal and providing an assist.