Arsenal are leading the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, according to the Sun.
The Gunners are preparing an official bid for the versatile England Under-21 international, who can operate in central midfield, as a holding midfielder and in either full-back position.
That versatility appeals to Mikel Arteta. Managers value players who can seamlessly fill multiple roles within their tactical system.
However, Arsenal face competition from Manchester United and Manchester City in the race to sign him.
United have a long-standing interest in Hinshelwood and already made enquiries, while City are considering a move following positive feedback from their scouting department.
Brighton would prefer to retain their academy graduate, but a bid of around £43 million could tempt them into negotiations.
Hinshelwood still has three years remaining on his contract. He has made 79 senior appearances since breaking into the first team in 2023.
Arsenal don’t need Hinshelwood
However, even though he is talented and versatile, Arsenal don’t need another midfielder right now.
Declan Rice is one of the Premier League’s outstanding all-round midfielders, while Martin Zubimendi was brought in to strengthen the central options.
Mikel Merino adds experience, goals and physicality, while Myles Lewis-Skelly has already shown he can contribute both in midfield and at left-back.
Bruno Guimaraes adds another proven, high-level option to Arteta’s midfield.
Hinshelwood could develop into an excellent player, but spending heavily on him feels unnecessary.
Arsenal should focus their resources elsewhere rather than creating another selection headache in a position that is already exceptionally well covered.
