Arsenal transfer target Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to leave Red Bull Salzburg in January, according to the Austrian club's sporting director Christoph Freund.
Szoboszlai has established himself as one of Europe's hottest prospects after scoring six goals and registering nine assists in 14 matches for his club this season.
As a result, Freund believes joining a 'big club' is the next step for the midfielder - who has a £23million release clause - and claims such a move will see him 'become most interesting players in Europe.'
Freund believes a January transfer to one of Europe's elite sides will allow him to 'tap into his potential' and develop his 'performance' with every game. He did, however, admit that Salzburg would miss him.
He told Bild: 'Of course you would like to have the player in the club as long as possible.
'On the other hand, it is also healthy if he takes the next step at the right time.
'Let's see what happens in winter, but there is a high probability that he will move to a big club.
'That is definitely a next step in development so that he can tap this potential and this performance with every game.
'I'm convinced that he can become one of the most interesting midfielders in Europe in the next few years.'
Arsenal are among a host of clubs vying for the 20-year-old's signature and will have to fight off competition from Tottenham, AC Milan and RB Leipzig.
Szoboszlai is regarded as a versatile and intelligent attacking midfielder that resembles the likes of Manchester City star, Kevin De Bruyne.
Should Szoboszlai join the North London club, he will have the opportunity to go head-to-head face De Bruyne in the Premier League.
Speaking of the next step in his career, Szoboszlai has revealed money is incentive and that he his focus is on playing.
He said: 'Money is not the most important thing to me.'
'When I'm able to play, then the money comes automatically.'
Szoboszlai did highlight his intention to playing alongside some of his childhood idols Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos and Neymar in the future.
The 20-year-old believes he would work well with Neymar, saying: 'I believe I could get on well with him on the pitch.'
However as it stands, Szoboszlai's most likely destination is said to Arsenal.
