He looks like Ødegaard and plays like Xhaka...

Victor Froholdt is a 19-year-old Danish midfielder whose performances in recent seasons have captured the attention of many top clubs. Arsenal are apparently keen on him as a long-term piece for their midfield rebuild. His style, stats, and potential make him one of the brightest young talents in Europe — and many believe he could be a very good fit for the Gunners’ future.

Career So Far & Statistics

• Froholdt came through FC Copenhagen’s youth setup and broke into the senior team, becoming a regular in the 2024-25 season. In that campaign, he made 53 appearances for Copenhagen, scoring 6 goals and contributing 5 assists.
• He also helped Copenhagen win a domestic double (league + cup) in Denmark for 2025 — a sign of his involvement in a winning team setup.
• In the summer of 2025, he moved to FC Porto in a transfer worth approximately €12m, rising to €20m.
• Since moving to Porto, he has made 8 league appearances with 1 goal and 2 assists for the Portuguese side.
• His current estimated market value is in the region of €22m according to Transfermarkt, and Porto are said to be open to selling if a suitable offer arrives.

🇩🇰 Victor Froholdt (Porto, 19)
📊 vs Primeira Liga Midfielders

🥇 Progressive carries — 1st
🥇 Accelerations — 1st
🥇 Ball carrying frequency — 1st
🥇 npxG/Shot — 1st
🥉 Key passes — 3rd
🥉 npxG + xA — 3rd
🥉 Expected goals — 3rd
🥉 Touches in box — 3rd
🥉 Successful dribbles —… pic.twitter.com/DBEZFPBfEO

— DataMB (@DataMB_) October 8, 2025

Key Strengths

Froholdt brings several assets that make him stand out:

1. Possession Control, Calmness & Passing Accuracy
   One of the most frequently mentioned qualities is how composed Froholdt is on the ball. He can control the tempo, make smart passes, and doesn’t panic under pressure. That kind of composure is often rare in younger midfielders, especially when stepping into more competitive leagues.
2. Box-to-Box Energy & Physicality
   He is not just technical; he works hard. He has good stamina, is able to cover ground, recover possession, engage physically when needed, and make forward runs. His energy up and down the pitch gives him flexibility to contribute to both defence and attack.
3. Tactical Awareness & Versatility
   Froholdt reads the game well: intelligent positioning, ability to support defensive phases, effective in transitions, linking play from deeper or more advanced positions. He also has some flexibility — while his main role is central midfield, he has been noted to have experience or ability out wide or in different midfield pivots.

When Porto were 4-0 up against Arouca in the 90th midfielder, Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt (19) did not stop pressing. 😳🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/bimOEBY0E5

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 2, 2025

Comparison with Granit Xhaka

Froholdt is frequently compared to Granit Xhaka—mainly because of some overlapping traits, but also because of what he might bring that differs:

• Similarity in Composure & Distribution: Like Xhaka, Froholdt is praised for his composure on the ball and his ability to distribute and dictate rhythm. Those traits are core to what Xhaka brought to Arsenal, especially when allowed space to play forward.
• Differences in Mobility & Youthful Energy: While Xhaka is very experienced and has great leadership and passing range, he is less mobile than many younger players. Froholdt offers more dynamism, stamina, and quicker transitions between defence and attack thanks to his youth. Arsenal might see him as someone who could bring in more energy, especially in pressing or faster transitional plays.
• Potential for Growth & Less of the Experience Premium: Xhaka has earned his reputation over many seasons in top-league situations; Froholdt is still building that legacy. The upside, however, is that he's still developing, meaning there is room to improve — and potentially surpass expectations, especially if given consistent opportunities. Arsenal could view him as a younger version of someone like Xhaka, with room to grow and fewer established limitations.

Victor Froholdt vs Sporting (A) pic.twitter.com/Y0P2OXOoUb

— ~ (@froholdtprop) September 3, 2025

Where He Might Fit at Arsenal: Who He Could Replace or Complement

If Arsenal were to sign Victor Froholdt, several possibilities open up in how he might slot into the squad:

• Replace or challenge Mikel Merino: Victor Froholdt could seamlessly replace Merino at Arsenal by offering similar composure, tactical awareness, and ball-progressing ability from midfield. Like Merino, he controls tempo and links play efficiently, but Froholdt adds youthful energy, quicker transitions, and greater defensive mobility. His box-to-box presence and press resistance would give Arsenal balance and dynamism, making him an ideal long-term successor in Arteta’s midfield structure.
• Rotation with other central midfielders: Arsenal have other midfield options (both more defensive or more advanced). Froholdt could offer rotation for Declan Rice, especially to rest Rice or vary the midfield dynamic. He could also be used in a midfield three, allowing the team to adjust tactics depending on opponent.
• Alternative “8” role / box-to-box mid: Given his energy, Froholdt could slot into games where Arsenal want midfielders that can break lines, carry the ball forward, press high, and support attacking plays. In that sense, he might compete with current “8”-type midfielders when a more balanced or aggressive midfield approach is desired.
• Long-term investment: Beyond immediate displacement, he could serve as a long-term piece. As some senior players age or shift roles, having a younger, developing midfielder who already shows composure and tactical nous gives Arsenal depth and future stability.

Who Else Is Interested

The competition for Froholdt is already developing, which suggests Arsenal will face a challenge in signing him:

• Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring him and have been linked for some time. Their strategy of recruiting younger potential stars means Froholdt fits what they look for.
• Brighton & Hove Albion are also said to be following him. They have a strong reputation for developing young talent.
• Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested. His physical profile and pressing ability are qualities which align with Atlético’s style, which may make him attractive to Simeone’s side.
• Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen have also been involved in monitoring Froholdt, or were earlier candidates in the transfer negotiations when he was at Copenhagen.

🚨 Atlético Madrid are routinely scouting Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt.

However, they have competition for the standout teenager from Premier League club Brighton.

(Source: @TEAMtalk) pic.twitter.com/8XrmSBg8I0

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 11, 2025

Closing Thoughts

Victor Froholdt looks like a terrific prospect for Arsenal: he combines technical skill, discipline on the ball, work rate, and tactical maturity beyond his years. Compared with Granit Xhaka, he shares some key strengths (composure, passing, ability to control tempo), but also brings additional mobility and youthful energy.

In the current squad, he might gradually take over some of Merino's or Ødegaard's deeper midfield duties, or rotate in with other central midfielders in specific tactical setups. Meanwhile, Arsenal will need to move smartly, as Spurs, Brighton, Atletico Madrid, and German clubs also want him. If Arsenal can land him, they may get a player who fits both their immediate tactical needs and their medium-/long-term vision.