According to a recent report by the Sun, Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United in pursuit of Hertha Berlin midfielder Arne Maier. The same report also adds that the Bundesliga wonderkid, who has been dubbed as the new ‘new Toni Kroos’, is currently being valued in the region of £15m by the German outfit.
At the mere age of 19, Maier has managed to establish himself as a first team regular for Pál Dárdai’s side and has already put in a string of solid displays in the Bundesliga this season. The German talent has featured in 16 matches for Hertha this term in all competitions but is yet to find the back of the net so far. He has also represented Germany at every youth level from Under-15 onwards.
The Ludwigsfelde born prospect began his football career at Ludwigsfelder FC Jugend before moving to Olympiastadion Berlin at a young age. Maier has since managed to work his way up the youth ranks at Hertha Berlin and has finally become a first-team regular under Dardai.
The German starlet primarily operates as a deep-lying, defensive midfielder but can also play in a more advanced role at the centre of the park. The Hertha prospect is a good passer and can also make some good runs both with and without the ball from midfield. However, he lacks pace and needs to develop a stronger frame if he wants to prove his worth in English football.
In a league known for its physicality and high intensity, there are some doubts regarding the German’s ability to cope with the pressure of a high-profile move right now. Maybe in a few years, he could be ready to make the jump but staying at Hertha could be his best chance to continue with his development and work towards fulfilling his real potential.
Is Maeir The Right Choice For Arsenal?
Maeir will be a good signing for the Gunners in the long-run, but for now, Unai Emery is better off signing someone who can come in and improve his first-team right away. Moreover, Arsenal already has Matteo Guendouzi who is being nurtured by Emery into a class act in midfield. So the North London giants should concentrate on improving for the short-term as they are in with a real chance of claiming a top 4 spot this season.
