Arsenal preparing ‘official bid’ for Jack Hinshelwood after ‘direct contact’ with his representatives

Arsenal are preparing a formal offer for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jack Hinshelwood after speaking with his representatives, according to The Sun.

The Gunners have made only two new outfield signings in Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes this summer, and more activity is expected before the transfer deadline.

A versatile defender, who can operate in central defence and right-back, is being targeted. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah are among the top choices.

Amid this, The Sun have reported that the Premier League holders have made ‘direct contact’ with Hinshelwood’s camp and are now preparing an ‘official bid’ for his services.

The Gunners are likely to face competition from Manchester United and Manchester City for the 21-year-old, who can play anywhere in midfield as well as in both full-back positions.

Hinshelwood is currently contracted to Brighton until the summer of 2029. It is reported that a package between £43-51 million could persuade the Seagulls into a potential sale.

Arsenal may not pursue a deal for Hinshelwood
The 21-year-old started off his Brighton career as a defensive midfielder or a right-back, but he was successful as an attacking midfielder during the second half of last season.

The Englishman ended the campaign on a high with three goals in his final five league matches. His ability to operate in multiple positions makes him a lucrative target for clubs.

Still, we are not convinced that the Gunners are weighing up an approach. The club are looking for an experienced cover for the injured William Saliba in the heart of the defence.

A right-back looks a secondary priority at the moment. The club may ideally prefer a central defender like Konsa, Quansah or Jules Kounde, who can comfortably operate at right-back too.

Hinshelwood has not looked the most convincing as a full-back in his young Brighton career. We believe he is better off in the heart of the midfield or in the number 10 position.

The Gunners don’t require a playmaker with Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman in the squad. There is a possibility that Nwaneri could be sold.

Similarly, Arsenal are loaded with options in central midfield with Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and last summer’s signing Martin Zubimendi.

Zubimendi has been linked with a possible return to Spain this summer. Even if the Spaniard departs, Arsenal may not pursue another midfielder before the transfer deadline.

We feel the Hinshelwood speculation is agent-driven at the current point.