Arsenal's pursuit of Toni Fruk has hit competition from unexpected quarters. Sources indicate Brighton and Everton are confident they can hijack the Gunners' move for the Rijeka midfielder, believing they hold a crucial advantage in negotiations.
Playing time the key battleground
Understanding is that both clubs have been tracking Fruk closely and see an opportunity Arsenal cannot match. The 24-year-old Croatian would walk into either side's starting eleven immediately. At the Emirates, minutes would be harder to guarantee given the depth Mikel Arteta has assembled.
Fruk has impressed consistently in the Croatian top flight, catching the attention of scouts across Europe. Arsenal's recruitment team view him as a player capable of thriving at a higher level, fitting the club's strategy of identifying talent with room to develop further.
Arsenal's long-term approach
Sources close to Arsenal suggest the interest forms part of ongoing planning for future windows. Arteta's squad is not viewed as static despite its current strength. Several departures are anticipated over the next two transfer periods, with new arrivals expected to maintain competition for places.
Fruk's profile aligns with that philosophy. He offers quality and depth while possessing the tactical intelligence to adapt to Arteta's demanding system. Whether he would accept a squad role initially remains the central question.
Decision rests with the player
At 24, Fruk faces a choice that will define his career trajectory. He could join a club challenging for major honours and fight for his place against elite competition. Alternatively, he could prioritise regular football at Brighton or Everton, where his impact would be immediate.
Arsenal's interest is genuine but not urgent. Brighton and Everton sense an opening. The Croatian's next move depends entirely on what he values most.
