<\/p>\n
Arsenal<\/a> are keeping tabs on highly rated Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl ahead of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, according to TEAMtalk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Weinhandl has emerged as one of the most exciting, sought-after prospects not just in Austria but in Europe due to his scintillating displays for his club.<\/p>\n He began his footballing career with SV Wildon before joining Graz Academy in 2015, where he came through the ranks at the club.<\/p>\n The midfielder has been one of the standout performers in the club\u2019s academy, and it\u2019s no surprise he made his first-team debut at just 15, becoming the first player born in 2009 to play in the Austrian second division.<\/p>\n Following Sturm\u2019s promotion to the top flight, he has remained a mainstay in the first team, accumulating 25 appearances for the club and most notably netting his first goal for the club in May.<\/p>\n It appears Weinhandl\u2019s performances have not gone unnoticed, with TEAMtalk<\/em> reporting that Arsenal are keeping tabs on the midfielder ahead of a potential swoop in January.<\/p>\n The report adds that the Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta<\/a>, and the club\u2019s hierarchy view the 17-year-old as a viable long-term addition to reinforce their midfield ranks.<\/p>\n It appears Arsenal are already stepping up efforts to sign the youngster, as TEAMtalk<\/em> claims that the Premier League<\/a> champions have made initial contact to discuss his transfer<\/a>, although talks are at an early stage.<\/p>\n While a \u00a320m package to sign Weinhandl is perceived as a good value for money, the north Londoners are set to face fierce competition from Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa<\/a>, Stuttgart and several clubs in Serie A in the race for the 6ft 3in Austrian, according to the report.<\/p>\n Few managers in Europe can currently boast the same midfield depth as Mikel Arteta, particularly after Bruno Guimaraes was added to an established group containing Declan Rice<\/a>, Mikel Merino, Martin \u00d8degaard, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.<\/p>\n Despite that wealth of options, midfield remains Arsenal\u2019s most obvious area for long-term planning. It is the oldest part of their outfield squad, with the converted Lewis Skelly the only midfielder currently in the first-team group aged below 25.<\/p>\n Arsenal could therefore look to add another young midfielder with significant potential, allowing the player to develop gradually within the squad.<\/p>\n\u2018Unbelievable\u2019 midfielder<\/h2>\n
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