Jesper Lindstrom has admitted he is flattered by Arsenal transfer speculation and teased that a transfer away from Eintracht Frankfurt could be on the cards,
Earlier this month the Gunners were named as one of seven potential suitors for Lindstrom, who signed for Frankfurt at the start of last season. Since his arrival in the Bundesliga the Denmark international has amassed a list of admirers from not only the Premier League, but across Europe.
German news outlet Bild last week reported that Arsenal had opened talks with Frankfurt over a potential move for Lindstrom when the transfer window reopens in January. But Mikel Arteta faces intense competition for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona also tracking his progress.
Lindstrom was named the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Year last term, also helping Frankfurt to the Europa League crown at the expense of Rangers. But with sporting director Markus Krosche admitting acceptable bids will always be considered, there is a possibility he could soon be on the move.
And speaking after his latest appearance for the Denmark national side, Lindstrom was asked about reported interest from North London: “It’s a huge confidence boost. It’s one of the biggest things as a footballer, so I’m obviously very happy.”
Arteta looks likely to be backed in the transfer market once again in 2023, having signed a host of first-team players over the past 12 months. But Lindstrom’s versatility to play as a No.10 or as a winger on either side makes him an appealing prospect.
Reports have suggested a deal could be done for as little as £18million, but Lindstrom has remained coy on his preferred destination, but revealed “something may have to happen” in the future.
“It is hard not to read along when articles appear on your Facebook, Instagram and other social media,” he told Tipsbladet via Sport Witness. “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,” the Dane explained.
“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.”
Frankfurt director Korsche was asked about the club’s batch of highly-rated youngsters and whether they are already resigned to losing them. And while he accepted that is the reality of their situation, he added a caveat that a sale would only be sanctioned when it suited both parties.
“I often read that Eintracht Frankfurt is a training club, but that's wrong, we're not,” he said during an interview with FR last month. “Because we get players to achieve our goals, to achieve our ambitious goals. At the same time, secondly, it's like this: If a player develops much faster than that of the club, we will probably sell him at some point. That's totally normal.
“Then we just have to find the next player on the market and bring them to us. That's the challenge we'll always have at Eintracht Frankfurt.”
