Better than Merino: Romano confirms interest in Arsenal-linked wonderkid

Tom Weber

Updated: 24 Sept 2024 12:51 BST
3 min read

Hugo Larsson, Eintracht Frankfurt — © IMAGO

Several top clubs are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Swedish wonderkid was signed by the Eagles from Malmo last summer in what represented a record deal for the Allsvenskan at the time. Larsson impressed in his first season in Germany and earned himself links to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

Larsson has long been seen in the industry as someone destined for greatness. While still at Malmo, the prospect was allowed to go on trial with Chelsea and impressed to the point where they were ready to sign him. However, despite supporting the Blues, he decided to stay put.

Now in his sophomore Bundesliga campaign, the 20-year-old looks to be on the verge of hitting a new level. Frankfurt have enjoyed a brilliant start to the campaign thanks to their eye-catching attacking duo of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike and Larsson's form has not gone unnoticed.

The Swede has been impressive as an attack-minded box-to-box midfielder next to destroyer Ellyes Shkiri and he has already matched his goal tally from last season, scoring twice in four Bundesliga games so far while also notching an assist in the DFB-Pokal.

Romano confirms Larsson interest

Unsurprisingly, then, Europe's elite is still keeping tabs on Larsson and his suitors have undoubtedly liked what they have seen. Indeed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed as much.

The Italian took to X to reveal that several clubs are monitoring the midfielder's development. Though he did not name any specific sides, it is not far-fetched to think that the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool are still keen.

Larsson reportedly does not have a release clause in his contract, putting Frankfurt in a favourable negotiating position. When the interest from Arsenal and Liverpool was first revealed in the winter, German media claimed that the Eagles had slapped an €80 million price tag on the youngster.

Whether this is a realistic price is up for debate, but it is clear that Larsson has a bright future ahead of him. In fact, data analytics firm SciSports believe that he has the potential to become a better player than, for example, new Arsenal signing Mikel Merino, who plays a similar role to him.