Arsenal encouraged in Silas Andersen chase as Häcken open to right offer

Arsenal’s pursuit of BK Häcken midfielder Silas Andersen could gather pace after the Swedish club’s sporting director admitted that a sale could happen — but only under the right conditions.

Director of football Martin Ericsson confirmed Andersen’s rising stock following reports that Arsenal scouts attended Häcken’s recent UEFA Conference League clash with RC Strasbourg. The 21-year-old Dane has drawn attention for his dynamic midfield play since joining from FC Utrecht in January, prompting speculation over a potential Premier League move.

Speaking to Fotboll Skanalen, Andersen said he was “delighted” by Arsenal’s reported interest, though he hasn’t received any direct contact. The young midfielder added that he feels ready “to make a big jump” in his career — words that have naturally fuelled speculation in north London.

Reports from Ekstra Bladet earlier this month claimed the Gunners have monitored Andersen throughout 2024 and sent a scout to Sweden last week. The player’s technical range and energy have impressed Arsenal’s recruitment team, who continue to prioritise emerging midfield talent under sporting director Edu.

After the Strasbourg game, Ericsson provided a balanced view of Andersen’s situation, acknowledging the interest but stressing Häcken’s desire to keep their star man.

“It’s quite reasonable. He’s a young player who is doing very well and who is of great interest,” Ericsson said. “As long as he’s here both mentally and physically, I don’t feel worried at all. Then we’ll see what happens in the winter.”

The Swedish side signed Andersen for a modest fee from Utrecht and see him as a key part of their future. However, Ericsson admitted that the right offer could change things:

“Our ambition is to keep Silas as long as we can. Then we’ll see what things mean in terms of offers, clubs and how we and he approach it,” he told Fotboll Skanalen. “Everything has to be right. For us, he’s a very important and high-profile player. So, it’s clear that something extra is needed.”

Andersen remains under contract until December 2028, and while Transfermarkt currently values him at around €800,000, Häcken are expected to demand a significantly higher sum.

In our view, Arsenal’s interest in Andersen fits their pattern of identifying affordable, high-potential players before they explode in value. With uncertainty around Thomas Partey’s future and the need for deeper rotation alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, Andersen could represent a smart, developmental addition.

While Häcken’s stance is firm, the combination of Andersen’s contract length and ambition means Arsenal may test the waters again in January. For the Swedish champions, a deal north of €5 million could be enough to start talks if performance levels remain high.

Arsenal are expected to continue monitoring Andersen through the winter, with further scouting likely during Häcken’s final European fixtures. Any move in January would depend on outgoing deals and Arteta’s squad needs heading into the second half of the Premier League season.

👉 Arsenal fans — would you take a punt on Silas Andersen as a long-term project signing or focus on more experienced depth this winter?