Mikel Arteta handed perfect World Cup transfer chance as Arsenal eye January signing
Arsenal have been given an excellent scouting opportunity as Jesper Lindstrom has been included in Denmark's World Cup squad ahead of the January transfer window
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom for the upcoming January transfer window. A report from Bild last week stated that the Gunners are ‘on the attack’ for the Denmark international.
Lindstrom only signed for the Bundesliga side last year, but started the new season off with three goals in nine appearances for last year’s Europa League winners, with goals also coming in this season’s Champions League group stage. According to the report from Bild, the Gunners have already ‘put out feelers’ to Lindstrom’s agent.
And now, Arsenal have been given an excellent scouting opportunity as it has been announced that the midfielder has made the World Cup squad for Denmark. His nation are in the same group as France, meaning he is likely to come up against William Saliba.
There has been an extra boost in Arsenal’s pursuit of the midfielder, as it emerged last week according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano that Frankfurt are set to sign Paxten Aaronson on a permanent deal. The USA wonderkid is also a midfielder who plays in an advanced role similar to Lindstrom, which could be a signing to replace him.
Lindstrom told Tipsbladet when asked about the reports linking him to Arsenal: “It’s one of the biggest things as a footballer, so I’m obviously very happy.
“It is hard not to read along when articles appear on your Facebook, Instagram and other social media. So of course, I read it, but I don’t take it too seriously. The transfer window is not open at all right now, so I’m just giving it my all and waiting to see what happens.
“It’s always great to play in the biggest league in the world, but whether Arsenal is right for me is hard to say. Right now, I’m in a good place in Frankfurt, but it’s great that there are clubs like them that are watching me. Something may have to happen at some point, but right now I’m fine.”
With the World Cup set to take place in less than two weeks, and ending just before the opening of the January transfer window on December 18, it would allow the Arsenal scouting team to evaluate Lindstrom’s performances in the competition. Denmark reached the semi-final of their last major international competition in 2021, when England knocked out the Danes at Euro 2020 after the match went into extra time.
Lindstrom’s side would be expected to at least progress to the knockout stages as they feature in a group with France, Australia, and Tunisia. The Danes recently beat France in a Nations League fixture in September, so they could look to challenge Les Bleus for the top spot in the group. This would increase the number of matches the Gunners can scout Lindstrom in.
With Arsenal needing to sign a midfielder in January, a successful World Cup for Lindstrom could see the Gunners target the Danish star.
