Arsenal suffer transfer blow as Germany international responds to speculation – Liverpool also interested

Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Germany international star midfielder Kerem Demirbay.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Hoffenheim playmaker in recent months.

However, Demirbay has poured cold water on speculation linking him with a move away from Hoffenheim to the Premier League.

“I never said that I wanted to change [clubs],” Demirbay told the German outlet Kicker.

“I feel comfortable here and will be playing for Hoffenheim in the coming season.”

Football fans in England are familiar with Demirbay’s talents following his impressive showing against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League qualification stage earlier this season.

Demirbay has thrived under the management of Julian Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim this season. The talented young manager has however been linked with numerous jobs across Europe.

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The Germany international has provided five assists and scored two goals in 23 appearances for Hoffenheim so far this term.

Five of Hoffenheim’s eight Bundesliga defeated this season have come when Demirbay has been sidelined.

The 24-year-old is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury and isn’t expected to return until April.