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Arsenal now eyeing swoop for Bayer Leverkusen star Malik Tillman

By on April 8, 2026

Arsenal are plotting a swoop to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Malik Tillman next summer, according to Fussballdaten.

Tillman began his journey at Greuther Fürth before joining Bayern in 2025, where he progressed through the club’s system.

After managing just 175 minutes of senior action with the Bavarian side, the 23-year-old moved in search of regular football, joining Rangers on loan in 2022.

At Ibrox Stadium, he made a significant impact, scoring 12 goals and providing 5 assists in 43 appearances, leading to another temporary transfer to PSV Eindhoven.

His performances in the Netherlands convinced the Dutch club to make the deal permanent, and he has since continued his rapid development, particularly during the 2024–25 season, when he recorded a career-best 16 goals and five assists.

That form earned him a high-value move to Leverkusen last summer, where he has continued to impress and attract significant interest.

With the next summer transfer window approaching, Tillman’s technical qualities and physicality have put him on the radar of several clubs, including Arsenal, according to Fussballdaten.

The report adds that the Premier League leaders see him as a viable fit for their midfield, citing his creativity and ability to occupy different roles and positions on the pitch.

In a boost to the Gunners, Fussballdaten claims that the 23-year-old prefers a move to the Premier League, and his agents have been spotted in London on several occasions.

Tillman to Arsenal

However, the North Londoners face stern competition from AC Milan and Aston Villa in the race to sign the German-born United States international, the report adds.

With a contract at the BayArena that runs until 2030, Leverkusen have placed a valuation on the attacking midfielder between £39 and £47m on Tillman, with the valuation expected to grow if he impresses with the USMNT at the World Cup, according to the report.

Tillman is a versatile midfielder who can play behind the striker and on the flanks and has occasionally been deployed deeper due to his efficiency on the ball and ability to evade the press.

Beyond his on-ball qualities, which have put him in the limelight, his skill set also includes a relentless off-ball work ethic, where he persistently presses opponents and shows high tenacity in chasing and picking up loose balls, making him a good fit for Arteta’s style of play.

His £47m valuation is very much within Arsenal’s reach, and the club will need to act swiftly to secure his transfer amid interest from Villa and Milan.