Eintracht Frankfurt have indicated that Filip Kostic will be sold this summer with Premier League giants Arsenal and West Ham United targeting the Bundesliga star, as reported by Kicker.
Markus Krosche, Frankfurt’s sporting director, has a busy couple of months ahead.
Because Kostic is far from the only Commerzbank Arena ace entering the final 15 months of his contract. Daichi Kamada, the silky Japanese forward, will also become a free-agent in 2023. So will colossal centre-half Evan N’Dicka, young defender Tuta and Australian playmaker Ajdin Hrustic.
Kostic, however, would be the biggest loss of the lot.
An old-school winger who’s swashbuckling style is reminiscent of Gareth Bale’s early years on the left-hand side of Tottenham Hotspur’s frontline, Kostic is one of the most consistent creative talents not only in Germany but across the whole of Europe.
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He has 12 assists in all competitions so far this season and could still beat his career-best tally of 18. If this is his last dance at Frankfurt, then Kostic is certainly bowing out in style.
Where next for Filip Kostic?
Arsenal and West Ham United continue to be linked, as do Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Lazio and Sevilla (CM).
What’s more, Frankfurt will reportedly listen to offers in the region of £9 million. The Eagles would prefer to see Kostic fly the nest this summer than risk losing him on a free in the next one.
“If they don’t extend their contract, the situation automatically arises that we have to sell them,” Krosche says when quizzed on the futures of Kostic, Tuta, N’Dicka and co.
“We will see how big the upheaval will be in the coming weeks. It might be the case that some are already leaving us.”
One of the most underrated footballers on the continent, Kostic turns 30 in November. Therefore, this may be his last chance to secure a move to an established European powerhouse; An Arsenal, an Inter or a Sevilla, for instance.
“He showcased his extraordinary qualities,” former Frankfurt director Fredi Bobic says of Kostic.
“He’s a quiet and reserved guy, works very hard in training and puts in extra running shifts. He’s a top professional.”
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