[UPDATE]: Metro confirms deal for Midfielder

Arsenal are set to battle Manchester United for the signature of Hertha Berlin midfielder Arne Maier, according to the Metro.

The two Premier league sides have been tracking the Germany U-21 international extensively this season after he established himself as a key player in Hertha’s midfield, playing every single minute in the league this campaign.

He is fast becoming one of the brightest prospects in the Bundesliga and is widely expected to be fast tracked into the German senior national team.

Maier is noted for his passing and playmaking abilities, averaging the most passes of any Hertha player, earning him comparisons with Toni Kroos.

 

Arsenal manager Unai Emery is reportedly interested in signing him ahead of United’s Jose Mourinho.

The Gunners head of recruitment Sven Mislintat is said to be behind the interests as he has a knack for signing Bundesliga talents.

The former Borussia Dortmund employee has signed the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sokratis from the German first division already in his short time with the Gunners.

Hertha are enjoying a strong season so far, currently sitting sixth on the Bundesliga table with Maier playing a key role in their success so far.

Arsenal are set to be short of central midfielders in the coming months with both Aaron Ramsey and Mohamed Elneny heading for the exit door, Maier would represent a good long-term replacement.

It is believed that he would command a fee of around £30 million, but it is unlikely he would be allowed to leave in January.