In theory, Arsenal should have the advantage over Manchester City in any potential transfer tug-of-war due to the respective seasons both clubs have had.
But a clubs like City has a tremendous track record of success and sooner rather than later, it is expected that they will return to the top.
As a result, Arsenal must capitalise in the summer transfer window by further extending the gap between themselves and Pep Guardiola’s men by making shrewd additions in the market.
One position where the Gunners might have to address in the summer is in defensive midfield, with Thomas Partey expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the season.
Arsenal were interested in signing Hugo Larsson and perhaps, they saw the Eintracht Frankfurt starlet as a potential replacement for Partey.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta is ‘personally pushing’ Arsenal to sign striker who plays like Lautaro Martinez
Arsenal target Hugo Larsson happy about Manchester City interest
Manchester City have also been linked with Larsson, who they might need as an alternative to Rodri with Nico Gonzalez being a natural number eight.
While City’s dismal season has not solely been a result of their Ballon d’Or winner’s unfortunate ACL injury, there is no disputing that his absence has had a devastating impact on them as a side.
But similarly, the North Londoners would be aiming to manage Declan Rice’s workload or even deploy the Englishman further forward by signing an out-and-out number six like the 20-year-old if Partey does leave and Martin Zubimendi’s imminent move to Arsenal falls through.
Journalist Florian Plettenburg has now revealed that Manchester City have started talks to sign Arsenal target Larsson, who is “keen on their interest.”
Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche is demanding at least €60 million (£50.1 million) for the youngster’s signature, who Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also been “monitoring” alongside Mikel Arteta’s side alongside top clubs in the Bundesliga for a while.
Andrea Berta wants to sign Hugo Larsson alternative for Arsenal
Arsenal’s hands may be tied in their quest for Larsson, who might now have his sights set on a move to Manchester City.
Unless Mikel Arteta and Co feel the Frankfurt midfielder is too special a player to pass upon, they should perhaps move on to other summer transfer targets.
One of them is Bruno Guimaraes, who Andrea Berta eyes for Arsenal.
Furthermore, Guimaraes could be available for a fee in the range of £60 to £70 million in case Newcastle United fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Andrea Berta could spend £300 million-plus at Arsenal and as a result, the prospect of missing out on Larsson to Manchester City should not be considered a seismic blow for him as several other targets will be scoped by the club.
