KEY POINTS

  • Arsenal fell short in signing Dominik Szoboszlai
  • The Hungarian midfielder is set to join Red Bull Leipzig
  • Szoboszlai had also been courted by Real Madrid and Bayern 

Arsenal is reportedly set to lose out on of their primary January transfer target Dominik Szoboszlai, with the Red Bull Salzburg midfielder expected to choose German Bundesliga club Red Bull Leipzig over the English Premier League side.

The Gunners have been setting records for all the wrong reasons this season having made a poor start to the 2020-21 Premier League campaign. The London club is languishing at the No. 15 spot, having lost seven of their 13 games thus far.

Mikel Arteta’s squad has struggled to break down their opponents and has scored just 11 goals in their 13 games.

The lack of creativity is very apparent, according to the club’s technical director Edu Gaspar.

Arsenal had identified Szoboszlai as a potential recruit to add some much-needed impetus in midfield, which has looked flat and devoid of any creativity.

The London-based side was said to be willing to pay the midfielder’s value to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. However, the club's front office will now have to turn their attention elsewhere.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed recently that a deal between sister clubs Salzburg and Leipzig had been struck. He expects it to be announced before the weekend.

The reporter also bared that Szoboszlai and his agent are anticipated to arrive in Germany on Thursday to put pen to paper complete the medicals.

The 20-year-old has been in fine form for the Austrian club this season having notched up four goals and seven assists in 11 appearances.

Salzburg had also attracted the attention of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but he has chosen to join Julian Nagelsmann’s third-placed side in the Bundesliga.

Arsenal and Arteta are now feeling the urgency to fill in the void, especially since the club continues to snub Mesut Ozil, who could provide firepower.

The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for Houssem Aouar of Lyon last summer but were unable to reach an agreement with the French Ligue 1 club.

It remains to be seen if the English club will return with a renewed offer during the January transfer window.

Third time lucky: Mikel Arteta won his first game as Arsenal manager at the third time of asking
Third time lucky: Mikel Arteta won his first game as Arsenal manager at the third time of asking IKIMAGES / Ian KINGTON
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