Arsenal are plotting a swoop to sign Bodo/Glimt star Jens Petter Hauge, according to Sports Boom.
After joining Bodo at 12, Hauge climbed through the ranks at the Norwegian club before signing his professional contract on April 12, 2016. He most memorably came on the bench in the 6-0 win over IK in 2017 to net a hat-trick on his senior debut, a day after signing his professional contract
He wasted no time making an impact on the team, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Eliteserien, although they suffered relegation that campaign.
Still, he was a key player for the team in the second division, providing 13 assists as they returned to the Norwegian top flight in 2017
Hauge has been in red-hot form this season, particularly in the Champions League, where almost all his games have come from.
Of his 14 goal contributions, eight have come in the UEFA Champions League, as he played a crucial role in Bodø’s historic campaign, which ended with a round-of-16 exit after they had previously defeated the likes of Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
According to Sports Boom, Arsenal are set to launch a swoop for Hauge’s transfer to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners’ boss, Mikel Arteta, has been intrigued by the left winger and is keen on adding him to his attacking ranks next summer, the report adds.
Fierce battle
In a boost to Arsenal, Sports Boom reports that Bodo are open to Hauge’s departure if they receive offers in the £30-40m range, with the Premier League leaders now showing interest.
However, the North Londoners face stern competition from Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Everton, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Italian giants AC Milan, who are also keen on the exciting winger, according to the report.
Mikel Arteta currently has Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and the versatile Noni Madueke as his options on the left wing.
Still, reports have been swirling in recent weeks, suggesting that Martinelli or Trossard could depart Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.
Should either of the duo depart, Hauge would be a good option to replace them, as he possesses immense physicality, speed, creativity, and a relentless work rate that align with Arteta’s style of play.