By OkayGoal 
Arsenal are keeping tabs on highly rated Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl ahead of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, according to TEAMtalk.
Weinhandl has emerged as one of the most exciting, sought-after prospects not just in Austria but in Europe due to his scintillating displays for his club.
He began his footballing career with SV Wildon before joining Graz Academy in 2015, where he came through the ranks at the club.
The midfielder has been one of the standout performers in the club’s academy, and it’s no surprise he made his first-team debut at just 15, becoming the first player born in 2009 to play in the Austrian second division.
Following Sturm’s promotion to the top flight, he has remained a mainstay in the first team, accumulating 25 appearances for the club and most notably netting his first goal for the club in May.
It appears Weinhandl’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with TEAMtalk reporting that Arsenal are keeping tabs on the midfielder ahead of a potential swoop in January.
The report adds that the Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta, and the club’s hierarchy view the 17-year-old as a viable long-term addition to reinforce their midfield ranks.
‘Unbelievable’ midfielder
It appears Arsenal are already stepping up efforts to sign the youngster, as TEAMtalk claims that the Premier League champions have made initial contact to discuss his transfer, although talks are at an early stage.
While a £20m package to sign Weinhandl is perceived as a good value for money, the north Londoners are set to face fierce competition from Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Stuttgart and several clubs in Serie A in the race for the 6ft 3in Austrian, according to the report.
Few managers in Europe can currently boast the same midfield depth as Mikel Arteta, particularly after Bruno Guimaraes was added to an established group containing Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.
Despite that wealth of options, midfield remains Arsenal’s most obvious area for long-term planning. It is the oldest part of their outfield squad, with the converted Lewis Skelly the only midfielder currently in the first-team group aged below 25.
Arsenal could therefore look to add another young midfielder with significant potential, allowing the player to develop gradually within the squad.
Weinhandl, described as ‘unbelievable’ by his teammate Otar Kiteishvili, would fit that approach, providing a potential option to prepare for the eventual departures of any of the club’s current senior midfielders.
