Arsenal have shown interest in signing SC Frieburg defensive midfielder Matthias Ginter, after the club allowed their youngster Francis Coquelin to go on a year-long loan spell at the German outfit.

Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal scouts have been monitoring Ginter’s progress as the player moved up the ranks and into the first team squad at the club. The manager has been drawing up a plan for next season, which not only sees experienced buys play weekly in the Barclays Premier League, but also proven youngsters like Ginter, who will play an important role in the domestic cup competitions. Clubs like Arsenal have to plan their squads in great detail, due to their participation in the UEFA Champions League which calls for an increased frequency in traveling and the number of matches played.

One of the prime areas for improvement for Wenger is the defensive midfield position. Wenger has been struggling to fill the spot ever since Alex Song was sold to Barcelona. Song was an integral part of the setup at the club, which saw him sit ahead of the defenders, feeding balls and giving cover to former skipper Cesc Fabregas. The duo have both shifted to the Spanish giants, but are far from having settled at their new club.

Ginter began his youth career in 2005 as an academy player at Freiburg. After seven years of development, the player signed a professional contract with the club, and made 26 appearances with two goals. The youngster is also a firm member of the German Under-21 side.

According to Metro, Freiburg are reportedly quoting a transfer fee of £6 million for Ginter, and Wenger is said to be keen on buying the German youngster this summer. The 19-year old has been rated highly in Germany, and Arsenal face competition from Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund, who are also interested in Ginter’s services. The midfielder’s current contract expires in 2015, and Freiburg will look to cash in on a big deal to finance further moves in the market.