Arsenal are reported to be interested in snatching Dinamo Zagreb prodigy Alen Halilovic in January, after London rivals Tottenham Hotspur's repeated failed negotiations with the youngster's camp.

Tottenham almost sealed the deal during the summer but failed, and followed-up just recently, only to their dismay, according to The Express.

Two angles are being pondered on as to why negotiations failed: first, his current club, Zagreb, are asking for an inconsiderable transfer fee, and second, the 17-year-old's father is hindering his move because of concerns of lack of playing time.

Halilovic was also reported to be on his way to CSKA Moscow or Bayern Munich, but both proved to be false.

Suppose that he goes to the Bundesliga giants, opportunities will still be in question as the same is stuffed with personnel in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, Arsenal may have the upper hand despite having an equally loaded midfield because of Gunners manager Arsene Wenger's notoriety in favouring and developing youth players.

One of the most prominent examples would be his former skipper, Cesc Fabregas, who featured for Arsenal's first-team at a very tender age, and of late, Jack Wilshere.

Halilovic is a great catch as he already has Champions League experience under his belt, while earning call-ups from Croatia's men's national team.

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