Arsenal Tracks Stuttgart Playmaker Angelo Stiller as Midfield Changes Loom

Arsenal has placed VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller on its long-term recruitment radar as the London club prepares for potential turnover in its central midfield options over the coming transfer windows.

Stiller signed a long-term contract extension with Stuttgart that runs through June 30, 2027. Despite widespread interest from international suitors during the summer transfer period, no formal agreement was reached, and the midfielder remained with the German side for their Champions League return.

The 23-year-old German international became one of the Bundesliga’s premier deep-lying playmakers after a standout 2023–24 campaign. His performances helped Stuttgart finish second in Germany’s top flight, while clubs in Spain and England continued to monitor his contract situation and development in Germany.

Arsenal’s interest is tied to ongoing evaluations of its midfield composition under manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners signed Declan Rice from West Ham United for £105 million in July 2023 and added Spain international Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in August 2024. At the same time, key veterans Thomas Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 32, entered the 2024–25 season with contracts nearing expiration, prompting internal planning for long-term depth and succession in the defensive midfield role.

Born in Munich, Stiller spent more than a decade developing in Bayern Munich’s youth academy. Under then-head coach Hansi Flick, he made his senior debut for Bayern in both the UEFA Champions League and DFB-Pokal during the 2020–21 season.

During the 2023–24 Bundesliga season, Stiller featured in 31 league matches, recording one goal and six assists. He ranked among the league’s top midfielders in progressive passes, total touches, and pass completion percentage.


Stiller moved to Stuttgart in August 2023 for a reported fee of €5.5 million from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. He was brought in to replace former Stuttgart captain Wataru Endō following Endō’s transfer to Liverpool, and established himself as a central figure under manager Sebastian Hoeneß.

Stuttgart accumulated 73 points to finish as Bundesliga runners-up behind Bayer Leverkusen, edging out third-place Bayern Munich and securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2009–10 season. Stiller had joined Hoffenheim on a free transfer in 2021 in search of regular first-team football before reuniting with Hoeneß at Stuttgart two years later.

Scouting reports across Europe have consistently noted Stiller’s press-resistant style, tactical intelligence, and left-footed distribution from deep positions. Alongside Arsenal, top-tier European clubs have continued to follow the midfielder.

His rise in German football led to a first senior international call-up for Germany from national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Stiller made his senior debut on September 7, 2024, coming on as a substitute during a 5–0 UEFA Nations League victory against Hungary in Düsseldorf.