Arsenal have held exploratory discussions over a potential move for Toni Fruk as the Croatian midfielder’s rapid rise with HNK Rijeka begins to draw sustained interest from major European clubs, according to multiple reports in the Croatian media.
Sport Klub reported on Tuesday that talks have already taken place and that negotiations are “in full swing”, describing Arsenal as the leading English side to have made formal contact. While that account suggested a deal could move quickly, subsequent reporting in Croatia has struck a more cautious note, framing the situation as early-stage monitoring rather than anything more advanced.
Fruk, 24, is now firmly established as Rijeka’s standout player and the most valuable footballer in the Croatian National League outside of loanees, with Transfermarkt placing his value at €9m. Signed from Fiorentina for around €4m in the summer of 2023, he has developed into the central figure in Rijeka’s domestic and European campaigns this season, registering 10 goals and two assists in all competitions.
A significant shift came earlier this week when Fruk signed with influential Croatian representative Andy Bara, whose client list includes Dani Olmo, Lovro Majer and Álvaro Morata. The move was immediately interpreted within Croatia as a signal that a major transfer is being sought.
Bara has since been in London, a trip that intensified speculation after reports emerged of meetings not only with Arsenal officials but also with representatives of Atlético Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany.
One Croatian outlet described Nantes as the closest suitor during the summer window, though no agreement materialised at that time. The current picture is more complex. While Arsenal’s interest is described as genuine, other reports stress that any move remains a long way from happening and that Fruk’s camp still view a transfer as a longer-term possibility rather than an imminent likliehood.
Within Croatia, Fruk is widely regarded as the league’s best player, even if that label carries caveats. His start to the season was not great, yet his form has gathered pace in recent weeks as Rijeka continue to rely heavily on his creativity, ball-carrying and final-third output.
Should a transfer be agreed, it is expected to become one of the largest in the club’s history.
He is expected to be include in the Croatia squad at the World Cup next year.