Free agent Florian Grillitsch has confirmed to Kicker that he has changed agents after a raft of possible transfers collapsed since he left Hoffenheim in June, amid interest from Arsenal.
The Austrian midfielder decided that this summer should mark the end of his time with Die Kraichgauer after five seasons. He moved to the Rhein-Neckar Arena in 2017 after similarly letting his contract with Werder Bremen expire, and went on to register 150 appearances.
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Time is now running out to secure a new home before the league seasons begin, however. Clubs whom Grillitsch had held negotiations with have each pulled the plug on his possible arrival, having all deemed his father’s and ICM Stellar Sports’ demands to be too excessive.
Grillitsch had appointed ICM Stellar Sports to negotiate his next move with his father over the past winter. But their inability to agree deals with Fiorentina, Galatasaray, Trabzonspor or Brighton & Hove Albion, most recently, has convinced him to reappoint Thomas Bohm.
Florian Grillitsch changes agent as free transfers collapse amid Arsenal interest
Bohm will now single-handedly hold negotiations with possible suitors over a Bosman deal for Grillitsch. The 26-year-old admits he, his father and ICM Stellar Sports made mistakes in how they had been handling discussions, with sporting goals appearing less important.
“Certain things have been extremely unfortunate recently,” Grillitsch stated. “Of course, I take responsibility for that myself and I have drawn the appropriate conclusions from that.
“One change is that my previous advisor Thomas Bohm is now conducting any negotiations independently again.”
Grillitsch changing agents after a host of free transfers collapsed over the financial motives may see Arsenal revisit their interest. The Telegraph cited the Gunners as an option for the 33-cap technician in April, as boss Mikel Arteta sought to improve his engine room cohort.
Arsenal could retain their interest in Grillitsch with the Austrian remaining a free agent and Arteta still targeting reinforcements. He would offer the Emirates Stadium natives another holding option, who can play from centre-half, as an all-rounder from the core of the pitch.
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