Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic quashes Leeds links, yet hopes to draw Arsenal in the Champions League
Ermedin Demirovic has reaffirmed his commitment to VfB Stuttgart amid persistent speculation linking him with a move away from the Bundesliga club. The 28-year-old nevertheless hopes that his third season with the Swabians will include a Champions League trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Demirovic attracted interest from Leeds United, Juventus and Fenerbahçe this summer. Stuttgart were also said to be internally divided over whether a lucrative sale should be considered.
Reports that Sebastian Hoeneß was open to dispensing with the Bosnian international particularly irritated the Stuttgart head coach. Demirovic has now dismissed the possibility that he was considering an exit and made clear that his relationship with Hoeneß remains strong.
Demirovic’s commitment comes as Stuttgart continue negotiations with Wolfsburg over Dzenan Pejcinovic. The 20-year-old wishes to join the Champions League participants, but the two clubs remain apart in their respective valuations.
Wolfsburg are reportedly demanding €25m, while Stuttgart have offered approximately €20m. Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth, per Kicker, does not expect Pejcinovic to join the club’s current training camp in Grassau, although negotiations remain ongoing.
The arrival of another striker would increase competition for Demirovic, but the former Augsburg captain publicly welcomed the prospective signing. Demirovic stressed that Stuttgart require as much quality as possible as they prepare to compete on several fronts.
Demirovic targets Arsenal trip
Stuttgart will return to the Champions League next season, giving Demirovic another opportunity to test himself against Europe’s strongest clubs. The striker has already gained experience facing high-profile opponents in both the Champions League and Europa League.
One particular fixture nevertheless remains on his wish list. Demirovic hopes Stuttgart will be drawn against an English opponent and specifically named Arsenal as the club he would most like to face.
Playing at the Emirates would also provide Demirovic with an opportunity to demonstrate his qualities in England after the recent interest from Leeds.
His immediate priority, however, remains helping Stuttgart enjoy another successful season rather than seeking a transfer to the Premier League.
Ermedin Demirovic on his Stuttgart future
“Leaving was never an option for me,” Demirovic told Sport Bild. “I heard the rumors while on holiday, but I’ve always said that I want to stay at VfB.
“I want to help the team, score goals – as many as possible -continue to lead the way, and play a successful season.”
Demirovic on Pejcinovic and Arsenal
“He can gladly come. He is very welcome,” Demirovic – quoted by Kicker – said of Pejcinovic. “We want to enter the season with a strong squad. That’s why every player who brings quality is important to us.
“I hope that we get an English team at some point. That would be cool. I would like to play against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.”
