Arsenal are one of three teams who are leading the race to sign Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch, according to reports in the German media.

The Gunners have joined Napoli and Sevilla in pursuing the Austrian international, who will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Grilitisch spoke out about his future last year when he practically confirmed that he was willing to run down his current deal with Hoffenheim, as he looks for a new challenge:

“I have a contract until 2022. But another career step is already conceivable for me, I feel ready for it.”

It is believed that Grillitsch’s preference would be a club who is playing in the Champions League next season, which Napoli and Sevilla can pretty much guarantee with their positions in the table.

Arsenal are not yet at a point where they can fulfil that ambition, though. They may be two points ahead of Tottenham in fifth place at the moment but they still have to face their North London rivals in the derby next week.