Reports in Croatia have claimed that Arsenal are interested in signing Rijeka attacking midfielder Toni Fruk but Football.London has learned that there is no substance to these claims
16:44, 11 Dec 2025Updated 17:05, 11 Dec 2025
Rijeka attacking midfielder Toni Fruk has been linked with Arsenal
Sources close to Rijeka attacking midfielder Toni Fruk have played down reports of interest from Arsenal.
In the past few days, there has been wild speculation in the player’s homeland of Croatia where it was claimed the Gunners were allegedly making progress on a potential deal.
However, Football.London understands that to date, Arsenal have held no talks over entering the battle for the Croatia international’s signature and that is unlikely to change given Mikel Arteta’s squad is already well-stocked in attack.
Not only do Arsenal have captain Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, two of the best No.10s in Europe, they also have huge faith in 18-year-old gem Ethan Nwaneri.
Fruk is represented by top agent Andy Bara, whose stable Niagara Sports Company looks after Barcelona duo Dani Olmo and goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Arsenal were previously interested in Garcia during the summer of 2024 but the Gunners later opted against launching a fresh swoop for the Espanyol shot-stopper as Andrea Berta worked on tying up the bargain signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga, instead.
READ MORE: Thierry Henry fires Noni Madueke message as Martin Keown suggests new position for Arsenal starREAD MORE: Gabriel Martinelli makes humble Noni Madueke admission after breaking Arsenal record
Sources have told Football.London that so far, from the Premier League, only Brighton and Everton have made routine exploratory checks on Fruk and even still, it’s too early to determine whether either club would be willing to launch a serious play for his services.
Not just that but Bara has also said on record to Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti that links between his client and Arsenal appear to have been manufactured because he recently made a business visit to London.
Football.London understands there were meetings between Fruk’s representative Bara and interested parties as recently as Monday and Tuesday in London, though it’s not clear whether Brighton and Everton were involved in those particular discussions.
At this moment in time, Fruk’s priority is regular minutes ahead of next summer’s World Cup finals in North America. He currently boasts 10 goals and two assists in 26 appearances in all competitions this term for Rijeka.
Toni Fruk is pushing to be part of Croatia’s World Cup squad
The Croatia outfit won the SuperSport HNL title last season but were knocked out of both the Champions League and Europa League play-offs before eventually qualifying for the Conference League. Fruk is currently tied with Dinamo Zagreb’s Michele Sego as the top goalscorer in Croatia this season.
The talented playmaker is not the only starlet capturing interest from the Premier League, though. It’s understood Liverpool scouts are monitoring Hajduk Split’s 18-year-old defender Branimir Mlacic, who has also been linked with Inter Milan.
Welcome to ‘Seeing Red’ – our new Arsenal podcast
We’ve launched a new Arsenal podcast ‘Seeing Red’ with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta’s side every step of the way – and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It’s a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League – and they’re also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We’ll provide insight and reaction – and have fun along the way – as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We’ll have it all covered.