Arsenal contact confirmed as major target prepares to announce transfer

Arsenal appear to have missed out on the signing of major target Dominik Szoboszlai as he nears a switch to RB Leipzig.

Szoboszlai had emerged as a major target for Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners need more creativity, and the Hungary international would provide that.

Szoboszlai has been enjoying some productive form with RB Salzburg, who know he will move on to a bigger club sooner rather than later. However, it now seems it won’t be Arsenal.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Szoboszlai is close to joining Salzburg’s sister club RB Leizpig in Germany.

Several players have followed that pathway, although some other clubs were hoping to hijack the deal. Romano confirms that Arsenal also made contact – as did AC Milan.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been scouting Szoboszlai, but have not made any contact with Salzburg.

Previous reports had mentioned Tottenham as another potential suitor for Szoboszlai, but there is nothing to suggest they made a formal offer. Rivals Arsenal, though, were in contact with Salzburg – only to miss out.

Szoboszlai was available for any club that met his €25m release clause. He would be free to choose his next destination if anyone met that price.

Whether or not Arsenal made an offer of that size or not is unclear. However, if they did, it appears he has been advised to join Leipzig instead.

Announcement expected next week

Romano and Sky Sport Germany both expect the transfer to go through next week. The involved parties wanted to determine Szoboszlai’s future before Christmas, due to a stipulation with his release clause.

Now, that decision is close – and could be announced next week. First, though, the midfielder will focus on Salzburg’s next game at the weekend.

After that, Arsenal could find out definitively that they have missed out. The 20-year-old will soon discuss personal terms, after which the announcement could arrive.

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