Arsenal and West Ham target Adam Hlozek to complete Bayer Leverkusen move | Soccer

The winger has made great strides in his young career, already making over 100 appearances for Sparta Prague and earning 14 caps for the Czech Republic.

There has been interest in the Premier League as West Ham have developed something of a Czech connection in recent years, while former Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky is sporting director at Sparta and Hlozek gave an enthusiastic review.

However, it is Leverkusen who have signed his man to a five-year deal.

“It’s great to be signed by one of the best clubs in the Bundesliga,” Hlozek told bayer04.de. “I’ve always followed Leverkusen in recent weeks. The team plays wonderful football. Being a part of this team fills me with great hope and anticipation.”

Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes said: “Adam is a player who, as a second striker, can create a real goal threat from a central position or via the wings. His versatility, his power and above all his finishing will add more variety to our attack.”

Discussing Hlozek’s development earlier this season, Rosicky claimed the 19-year-old forward is already the best player in the Czech top flight and hinted the club are ready to sell this summer.

“I don’t want to put an absolute burden on a boy that young,” Rosicky said.

“He managed the attack very well for everything he’s been up to lately. He’s very productive, whether it’s goals or assists.

“I say he’s clearly the best player in the league as I know it won’t do anything to him because he’s so grounded.

“I think he’ll score even more goals than he does now.

“We don’t want to lose Adam, we are ready to talk about his possible departure in the summer.”

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