Croatian media 'afraid' as Arsenal target 'next Luka Modric' with three concerns highlighted

Arsenal have been linked with the young star but there are concerns over any move to the Premier League

There are concerns in Croatia over any planned move by Arsenal for the nation's young midfield star Toni Fruk. The Rijeka player has 29 goals in 113 appearances for his team, helping them to the SuperSport HNL title last season.

While the club were knocked out of both the Champions League and Europa League play-offs, they eventually qualified for the Conference League with Fruk currently tied as the top goalscorer in Croatia this season.

Arsenal's interest in Fruk has been dismissed. Nevetheless, Croatian football manager Domagoj Abramovic has identified three issues with any proposed move for Fruk, 24, with the player touted as a successor to Croatian hero Luka Modric.

Abramovic highlighted the lack of money on offer in the January transfer window, Fruk's age and the size of the player's club, which could be stumbling blocks if they attempt to demand a major fee.

Abramovic explained on the VAR Soba podcast: "The first problem is that the winter transfer window is usually weaker, it serves in a way to fill the gap, more money is given in the summer transfer window.

"The second is that nowadays, at 24 years old, you are no longer that young for such big transfers. The third is that, without underestimating Rijeka, you cannot easily make a big transfer from any Croatian club except Dinamo. All clubs focus more on how to play at European levels.

"My opinion is that Fruk is worth that money, but it is very difficult to get him in the winter transfer window. It would be more ideal to save the summer, for him to play the whole season, go to the World Cup, so that some things change and it is possible to reach that amount."

Croatian journalist Damir Dobrinić, also speaking on the pod, shared his concerns that Rijeka will not get a hefty sum for the promising attacking midfielder. The club are rumoured to want around £8-9 million for the player.

He said: "I'm afraid, I'm constantly thinking that there won't be some Qatar, Emirates or Saudi Arabia for Fruk. Obviously, the problem is getting the ten million euros that president Damir Mišković is asking for him."

He added: "It's strange to us that he hasn't already taken a step further. I'd like to be wrong, that some club from the fifth league will recognize him, that he won't go to a league where they would lose him."

The player’s agent, Andy Bara, has offered conflicting stances on Fruk's future. Media outlet 24Sata quoted Bara as saying: “Yes, it’s true, Arsenal want to bring him in.”

However, Bara also spoke to Sportske Novosti and dismissed the idea of a deal being agreed, despite being spotted in London recently. Brighton and Everton have also been touted as suitors with Arsenal thought to be well stocked in the attacking department as it stands.

Bara confirmed: “Whenever someone sees me in a city, stories start immediately. Now someone saw me in London and here comes this one. So, there is no story, except for that one.

“Many clubs are following Toni Fruk, many are interested, but for now there are no concrete talks or negotiations about a possible transfer of Toni. With no interested club.”

Football.London understands there were meetings between Bara and interested parties in London. However, it's unclear whether Brighton and Everton were involved in those particular discussions and it's unconfirmed whether either club would be willing to launch a serious play for Fruk at this moment in time.