Arsenal and Liverpool are locked in a battle for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson, according to Bundesliga insider Christian Falk. The Swedish midfielder has gone from strength to strength with the German club in recent times and is now a hot commodity in European football. Tottenham Hotspur were already eyeing Larsson but their north London rivals have now entered the race.
The Gunners have dropped down to fourth in the Premier League table after some poor run of results of late. Reinforcements are in order for Mikel Arteta in January as he aims to fight for the league title. The Spanish tactician strengthened his midfield over the summer by roping in Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
However, he is in the market for another midfielder amid the uncertainties surrounding Thomas Partey. Larsson could be a fine partner for Declan Rice, but Arsenal will face competition from Liverpool for the 20-year-old.
The Reds were eager to bolster their midfield over the summer, but failed to get their prime targets. The Merseyside club could move for Larsson in the winter as they look to sustain their spectacular rise under Arne Slot.
The Swede is under contract with the German side until 2029 and reportedly has a €70m price tag. Liverpool barely invested in their squad this summer and may be willing to match that price in January. Meanwhile, Arsenal haven't shied away from breaking the bank for their targets of late, so they could make the race interesting.
How many players did Arsenal and Liverpool sign this summer?
Arsenal and Liverpool were both naturally linked with multiple players over the summer. The Reds oversaw a change in management at the end of last season, with Jurgen Klopp leaving Anfield.
The Merseyside club roped in Arne Slot as the German manager's replacement. Liverpool, however, only managed to sign goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia and attacker Federico Chiesa from Juventus over the summer.
It has mattered little, however, as Slot has managed to get his squad firing on all cylinders. His team are sitting at the top of the Premier League table after 11 games.
Arsenal, meanwhile, roped in left-back Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, as well as Mikel Merino. The Gunners also signed Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea to bolster their attack. Brazilian goalkeeper Neto was roped in on a temporary deal as a replacement for the outgoing Aaron Ramsdale.