"No matter what happens..." - Manager urges 'the young Zlatan' to avoid Arsenal move

Rasmus Hojlund’s former manager has urged the player to avoid a move to Arsenal.

With just 12 games remaining, the Gunners are at the Premier League summit, some five points clear of last season’s champions Manchester City.

Arsenal’s attempt to claim a first Premier League title in 19 years has largely been led by a contingent of young stars.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba and Martin Odegaard have all played an integral role in Mikel Arteta’s side this term.

Despite Arsenal’s trust in youth, Sturm Graz coach Christian Ilzer has encouraged his former player, Hojlund, to stay at Atalanta rather than moved to the Premier League.

Hojlund, who HITC have dubbed a “young Zlatan”, is allegedly a target for both Newcastle and the Gunners.

Hojlund to Arsenal?

The Chronicle have claimed Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson is keeping tabs on Hojlund.

Meanwhile, La Repubblica have reported that the Gunners are interested in the 20-year-old despite suggestions that Hojlund’s market value has risen to around £44million.

Yet, Ilzer stressed Hojlund should stay at Atalanta amid interest from the Premier League duo.

Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, Izner said: “There can be a comparison between Rasmus and Erling Haaland. In some characteristics, they are similar.

“Both are very fast, they also share determination and the desire to always score. Both Hojlund and Haaland are two very positive youngsters and have great confidence in their abilities.

“I’m really happy that Hojlund managed to adapt so quickly to Serie A and became an important player for Atalanta.

“I think he is probably already ready to move to an even more important club. However, we must always remember that he is 20. I think that, in Bergamo, he has a coach like Gasperini who believes in him a lot.

“He can count on a team that has been doing really well for years. And therefore it wouldn’t be bad for Hojlund to stay at Atalanta.

“Indeed, he can further confirm his potential and become one of the best strikers in Serie A. I think that remaining with (Atalanta) is a positive thing for his growth.

“No matter what happens, Rasmus’ rise to become a top European forward will not stop.”

Topics: Football, Transfers, Mikel Arteta, Newcastle United, Arsenal, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.