Arsenal ‘track’ new Luka Modric amid Bundesliga and Serie A interest

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the progress of Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina after he impressed at this summer’s UEFA European Under-21s Championship.

The 20-year-old featured in all three group stage games as his side collected just one point from meetings with Ukraine, Spain and Romania. Despite the Croatians underwhelming results, Baturina has continud to attract plaudits, with a number of pundits comparing him to former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luke Modric.

The Express have claimed Arsenal are ‘tracking’ Baturina and watched him throughout the tournament as they look to continue what has already been a productive summer transfer window after Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice were all added to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Baturina signed a new contract with Dinamo in April after scoring six goals and providing 13 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions for last season’s Croatian champions. The youngster also made 11 appearances in the Champions League and featured as a late substitute in Dinamo’s 1-0 win over Chelsea on matchday one last September.

Arsenal’s interest in Baturina stems from their regular scouting trips to monitor his Dinamo team-mate Josip Sutalo. The highly-rated 23-year-old defender was reportedly viewed as ‘a potential alternative target’ to summer signing Timber but is now said to be at the heart of a ‘transfer tug-of-war’ between Dutch giants Ajax and German side RB Leipzig.

The report also reveals a deal to take Baturina to North London is not ‘imminent’ but suggests the Gunners hold the player ‘in high regard’ and his progress will continue to be monitored throughout the upcoming season.