In a bid to bolster their squad for the future, Arsenal is reportedly tracking Dinamo Zagreb's midfield sensation, Martin Baturina. The 20-year-old Croatian has been turning heads with his impressive performances, drawing comparisons to national treasure Luka Modric due to his exceptional control and weight of pass in the midfield.
Baturina, who recently signed a new contract with Dinamo Zagreb, had a remarkable season last year, making 48 appearances in all competitions, including 11 Champions League outings. He scored six goals and provided 13 assists for the Croatian champions, solidifying his place as a rising star in European football.
Arsenal scouts have reportedly been frequent visitors to Zagreb, initially to monitor 23-year-old central defender Josip Sutalo, who was viewed as a potential alternative target to Jurrien Timber. However, Baturina's performances have caught the attention of the Gunners, and the club is believed to hold the young midfielder in high regard.
Baturina's current valuation is estimated to be between £10 million and £15 million, but Dinamo Zagreb might be open to negotiations for a slightly lower price. The midfielder has also attracted interest from clubs in Italy and the Bundesliga, further testament to his growing reputation.
This interest in Baturina comes after a busy summer for Arsenal, which saw the club spend £208 million on transfers, bringing in Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and club-record signing Declan Rice. Despite the significant outlay, the club is still keen on building for the future, and Baturina fits the profile of a promising young talent who could contribute significantly in the coming years.
However, the club's spending spree has left them with limited funds, and the focus is now on offloading some fringe players to generate cash for potential new signings. Players like Folarin Balogun, Nicolas Pepe, Rob Holding, Nuno Tavares, Auston Trusty, Cedric Soares, and Albert Sambi Lokonga are all reportedly on the transfer list.
Despite the financial constraints, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not ruled out the possibility of further signings in the summer transfer window. He stated, "Let's see. There's a lot of time still in the market and a lot of expectations in some of our players as well. We'll have to see how things develop in the next couple of weeks. We'll be alert. There's still time to do things and there's still time for exits obviously. I'm sure things will move."
As the transfer window continues, Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching to see if the club can secure the services of this Croatian gem, who could be a key part of their midfield in the years to come.
