Arsenal Dealt Midfielder Blow as Key Target Stays at Home

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Arsenal’s summer transfer plans were dealt a hammer blow when Schalke midfielder Max Meyer agreed to join fellow Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim when his contract expires this summer.

The Daily Star reports that the 22-year-old – a long-time target for both Arsenal and Liverpool – has decided to make the switch to the achtzehn99 rather than move to a new country at this time of his career.

Meyer joined Schalke when he was 14, but his relationship with the club deteriorated in recent months. It culminated with the attacking midfielder being banished from the first team and Veltins-Arena after Meyer criticised the club’s hierarchy for interviews which left the impression he was leaving for better money.

Hoffenheim are guaranteed a place in the Champions League next season having finished third in the Bundesliga.

Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel seemed to underline the move over the weekend when he confirmed the club hadn’t made Meyer and offer and the player didn’t want to talk with them again.

“At the moment we can and must expect that Max leaves the club in the summer,” he added.

Meyer had been linked with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but recent reports suggested he would move to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s departure changed the north London club’s focus and that avenue closed.