Arsenal signing this 24-year-old PL star in the summer would be a shrewd move

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Arsenal should make a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the summer

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal are one of the three Premier League clubs interested in signing Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the summer. Tottenham and Everton also remain keen on the midfielder.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 24, joined Southampton from Bayern Munich in 2016 on a five-year contract and has gone onto make 97 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals. The Demark international has made 23 appearances so far this season, impressing with his displays in the middle of the park.

The 24-year-old will have one year left to run on his deal in the summer and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is eager to keep his skipper at the club, the report adds.

Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace tackles with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton FC at Selhurst Park on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace tackles with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton FC at Selhurst Park on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Arsenal have completed the signing of defender Pablo Mari from Flamengo on loan until the end of the season, with the option to buy in the summer. They are also eyeing a deal for Southampton full-back Cedric Soares, who is currently out with a ligament injury.

The Gunners have endured a tough season so far and are currently 10th in the table after 24 games. With just one win in their last seven league games, they are 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.

One of the most crucial areas that Arteta should strengthen in the summer is the midfield. Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira have looked solid in central midfield under the Spanish tactician, showing promising signs of building a partnership. That has seen Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock being limited to substitute appearances.

Dani Ceballos has not played in the Premier League since the start of November but he wants to remain at the club until the end of the season, as per AS. (h/t The Metro)

Arsenal players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Arsenal players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)

But once Ceballos returns to Real Madrid after the expiry of his loan spell in the summer, Arteta should replace him with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, although both are different midfielders.

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Hojbjerg has been a consistent performer for Southampton over the last two seasons. He has made over 100 appearances across all competitions for the sea coast club. The central midfielder is the captain of the current Saints team and is an ever-present figure under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. Plus, he has earned 26 caps for Denmark so far, scoring three goals.

Verdict

Hojbjerg would add quality to Arsenal’s midfield, whilst bringing competition to the squad. Having proven himself for Southampton over the last couple of years, the Gunners should attempt to sign the Dane in the summer transfer window.