Arsenal step up interest in Hoffenheim forward Philipp Ochs

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Hoffenheim forward Philipp Ochs and are considering a bid for the youngster, who is currently playing in the U19 Euros for Germany, according to a report by the Bild. The 19-year-old, whose country is hosting the tournament, scored a hat-trick in his side's 4-3 defeat to Portugal last week.

The forward made 13 appearances for his club in the Bundesliga last season, scoring none and assisting one goal in the entire campaign. However, he is highly rated in Germany, with his agent Arthur Beck stating that he has a lot of interest from clubs across Europe.

"Philip has attracted attention with strong performances - not only now at the European Championships. But in any speculation, we have never participated and will not do so in the future," Beck said. The striker has three years left in his current contract and manager Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that he has no plans to let the player leave this summer.

The Gunners have already signed a young striker this summer in the form of Japanese international Takuma Asano who will represent the national team in the upcoming Olympics in Rio. Asano has been a regular for his club Sanfrecce Hiroshima, where he has scored 11 goals in 56 appearances. He also made his Japan debut in 2015, scoring one goal in five appearances thus far.

This is the second time that the Gunners are set to sign a Japan international, with Ryo Miyachi being the first to have signed for the Gunners, although he failed to have an impact. The forward is unlikely to be a first choice with the north London club but insists that he will be happy to go on loan should an opportunity present itself.

"I was a little stunned. But I feel like I have the confidence to succeed wherever I go. If I am loaned elsewhere, my take on it is that I give it 100 percent," Asano said.