Arsenal shock! Wonderkid makes surprise transfer decision

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 Oct 2024 09:07 CDT
3 min read

Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson has extended his contract completely out of the blue.

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The young Swede has been one of the Eagles' most impressive performers in these early stages of the campaign. Frankfurt have been one of the surprise packages so far and Larsson has played a key role.

The 20-year-old has contributed two goals from midfield in five Bundesliga appearances and impressed with his energy and on-ball ability, playing as a box-to-box dynamo next to destroyer Ellyes Skhiri.

Larsson joined Frankfurt in the summer of 2023 in what was seen as a real coup by the Bundesliga side as he previously had the chance to complete a dream move to his favourite club Chelsea.

However, the then-Malmo youngster decided to remain in Sweden before taking the next step in Germany. After a solid debut campaign, Larsson is looking right at home in his new surroundings now and he remains on the radar of other Premier League clubs and not just Chelsea.

Larsson signs surprise extension

Larsson's performances over the past 12 months have earned him links to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, though Frankfurt made sure to rebuff any potential advances in the summer.

The plan was to keep Larsson at least until 2025 and they found themselves in a strong negotiating position as the player did not have a release clause. Despite this, they have now taken the surprise decision to extend his long-term contract even further, until 2029.

It's a clear message to potential suitors such as Arsenal and to Bundesliga rivals like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who have also recently been linked.

Sporting director Timmo Hardung said in an official statement: "Hugo has developed very well in his first year at Eintracht Frankfurt and has adapted quickly to the Bundesliga. He has added a lot of quality to our game and we are convinced that he will continue to drive this development.

In addition, with his positive character, he fits very well into our dressing room. We are very happy that we were able to extend his contract early." The price of Larsson, already tentatively put at €80 million previously, appears to have just gone up.