Arsenal Target Move for Versatile German U21 Star - Report

Arsenal are preparing a bid for Freiburg midfielder Matthias Ginter, according to the Mirror. The 19-year-old came up through the ranks of the German club's academy and is considered one of the brightest prospects in the Bundesliga.

The north London club share a good relationship with Freiburg, having already sent Francis Coquelin on a season-long loan to the German club. The report claims Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is believed to use the loan move of the midfielder to sweeten the deal to bring Ginter to the Emirates on a permanent transfer.

The Frenchman has been tracking the midfielder for a long term and is considering making an approach for him this summer. The German U21 international's versatility, with his ability to play in midfield or as a defender would be a great addition to the Gunners' squad, if Wenger manages to land him before the transfer window closes on 31 August.

Ginter's current deal with Freiburg runs down in 2015. His impressive form in the Bundesliga during the last campaign has seen him attract interest from several clubs across Europe.

The same report claims that Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund are also interested in signing the German midfielder. In addition to this, Tutto Mercato Web reports Arsenal's league rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are also keen on his signature.

It is believed that the Premier League champions and the Merseyside club have both watched the player on numerous occasions. The two English clubs, along with Dortmund are likely to give competition to Arsenal in landing Ginter this summer.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has urged his men to start the 2013/14 campaign on a positive note, with an upset against Arsenal. The Villans make a trip to the Emirates for the season opener before facing Liverpool at home a week later.

"You have to be ready. We've got to go to Arsenal on the first day. That's the thing, you go there and first day of the season everybody is expecting probably Arsenal to win. But we'll certainly go down there and be ready for it. We played well down there last year. It was only the last five minutes that we conceded a goal," Lambert said.