According to Fabrizio Romano, it seems Arsenal and Leeds will not be bringing Florian Grillitsch to the Premier League anytime soon.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that both Mikel Arteta and Jesse Marsch were interested in signing the 26-year-old on a free transfer, when his contract with TSG Hoffenheim expires later this month.
However, according to Romano, Fiorentina are now close to securing his services on a four-year contract.
The reliable Italian believes the Serie A side have reached a verbal agreement with the Austria international, and a final meeting is set to take place soon.
Interestingly, Romano adds that Fiorentina will also make another attempt to sign Lucas Torreira from Arsenal, even if they experience complications in discussions with the Gunners.
The Uruguay international spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan in Florence, and he has already admitted that he would like to leave the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis this summer.
Should he get his wish, it seems Grillitsch will not be the man replacing him in north London, nor does it appear Leeds will get their hands on him.
Arsenal & Leeds may have missed a bargain
In our view, Arsenal and Leeds might be losing out on a tremendous deal to Fiorentina.
Grillitsch is an experienced player, who has drawn comparisons to German icon Bastian Schweinsteiger in the past as a result of his fine work in midfield.
At the age of just 26, the Austrian is also right in the midst of his best years, and may even be yet to hit his peak as a footballer.
In truth, Fiorentina could even be getting the best four years of Grillitsch’s career across the duration of his contract, and all without spending a penny on a transfer fee.
Only time will tell, but this already stands out as being, potentially, one of the best signings of the summer.
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