Arsenal tracking 20-year-old midfielder compared to Luka Modric: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly tracking Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina ahead of the new season. He signed a new deal in April which extended his stay in Zagreb until June 2028.
According to the Express (h/t LondonWorld), the Gunners kept a close eye on him during this summer's UEFA European Under-21s Championship. He featured in all three group-stage games where his team mustered a solitary point after games against Ukraine, Romania and Spain.
Arsenal's interest in the 20-year-old midfielder is a result of their regular scouting trips to monitor Zagreb centre-back Josip Sutalo. It is unlikely that the Gunners will make a move for the 23-year-old after signing Jurrien Timber.
Baturina, however, could be an addition to Mikel Arteta's side this summer. He has already been compared to Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric by several pundits.
Baturina, who can play as an attacking midfielder and a No. 8, has been at the Croatian giants' Academy since 2017. During that time, he has amassed eight goals and 18 assists in 68 senior games across competitions.
Arsenal, meanwhile, signed Declan Rice for a club-record fee of £105 million earlier this month. But they could be a man short in midfield next season if Thomas Partey follows Granit Xhaka out of the Emirates in the coming weeks.
Juventus are interested in the 30-year-old Ghana international while clubs in Saudi Arabia are also linked with a move.
Next season, Declan Rice will get the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in his career.
The England international captained West Ham United to UEFA Europa Conference League glory last term. But the best the Hammers could manage was UEFA Europa League qualification.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have returned to
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