Arsenal are leading the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jack Hinshelwood this summer, according to The Sun.
Brighton may have earned a reputation for signing and developing unknown players for relatively modest fees, but they have also unearthed players within their academy setup.
Since their promotion to the Premier League, Ben White, Robert Sanchez, Aaron Connolly, Solly March and the long-serving Lewis Dunk have played influential roles in the first team after coming through the youth ranks.
Others like Harry Howell, Odeluga Offiah, Charlie Tasker, Joe Knight, and Hinshelwood have made their debuts, particularly in the recently concluded campaign.
However, Hinshelwood seems to be the academy player in the recent crop who has featured most, become a mainstay in the first team, and established himself in the starting lineup.
Since making his debut in a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at Villa Park on 28 May 2023, the midfielder has gone on to make 79 appearances for the Seagulls, providing 19 goal contributions, which is described by his former teammate Adam Webster as ‘incredible’
Now, according to the Sun, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Hinshelwood from Brighton, having made him their priority target for the summer.
Hinshelwood to Arsenal
Mikel Arteta, who likes to use versatile players, views the youngster as a perfect fit for his squad because he can play different midfield positions as well as both full-back positions, according to the report.
The Gunners appear to be stepping up their efforts on the deal, as the report adds that the club has made direct contact with the 21-year-old’s entourage and is preparing to submit a formal offer to Brighton.
In a boost to Arsenal, the report adds that while Brighton would ideally prefer to retain the England U21 international, the East Sussex outfit could consider offers between £43m and £51m for their academy graduate.
However, the Premier League champions are set to face stern competition from Manchester United, who have made enquiries for Hinshelwood, while Manchester City have also shown interest in the exciting midfielder, the Sun adds.
Arsenal currently possess arguably the strongest midfield depth in the Premier League. Bruno Guimaraes was recently signed in a big-money deal to join an already strong midfield contingent.
Hinshelwood is undoubtedly an outstanding prospect, but the Gunners are already well covered in midfield. The club should instead commit the funds to signing an attacker, given the uncertainty around Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus’ futures.
