Arsenal are leading the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jack Hinshelwood ahead of the 2026/27 season, according to The Sun.
The 21-year-old is now a major target for the North London club, and the Gunners have already made direct contact with his representatives.
Arsenal are preparing an official bid for the versatile England Under-21 international, who can operate in central midfield, as a holding midfielder and at either full-back position.
That versatility appeals to Mikel Arteta. Managers value players who can seamlessly fill multiple roles within their tactical system.
However, Arsenal face competition from Manchester United and Manchester City in the race for his signature.
United have a long-standing interest in Hinshelwood and already made enquiries, while City are also considering a move following positive reports from their scouting department.
Brighton would prefer to retain their academy graduate, but a bid of around £43 million to £51m could tempt them into negotiations.
The Arsenal target still has three years remaining on his contract. He has made 79 senior appearances since breaking into the first team in 2023.
Arsenal don’t need Hinshelwood
However, even though he is talented and versatile, Arsenal don’t need another midfielder right now.
Declan Rice remains one of the Premier League’s outstanding all-round midfielders, while Martin Zubimendi has been brought in to strengthen the central options.
Mikel Merino adds experience, goals, and physicality, while Myles Lewis-Skelly has already shown he can contribute both in midfield and at left-back.
Then there is Bruno Guimaraes, whose arrival would add another proven, high-level option to Arteta’s midfield.
Hinshelwood could develop into an excellent player, but spending up to £51m on him feels very unnecessary.
Arsenal should focus their resources elsewhere rather than creating another selection headache in a position that is already exceptionally well covered.