The attraction is not hard to spot.
That matters at Arsenal, where Arteta has built a squad around adaptability, technical security and players who can shift shape during a match. A young player with Brighton’s coaching background would likely appeal to that model.
Other reports say Arsenal are coming off a title-winning campaign, which changes the tone of every recruitment call. The priority is no longer simply building a challenger; it is protecting a team expected to fight on multiple fronts again.
That usually means adding depth without breaking the structure of the squad. A player like Hinshelwood would not arrive with the noise of a marquee signing, but he could offer useful cover and long-term upside. Those deals can be just as important as headline moves when the calendar gets crowded.
Any pursuit is likely to depend on Brighton’s willingness to sell. They are a club with a strong record of developing talent and appearing patient over exits. If they believe Hinshelwood is central to their next phase, this may not be straightforward.
For now, the key point is simple: Arsenal are being linked, not celebrating. The next development to watch is whether fresh reports strengthen that “leading the race” line - or whether rival clubs enter the picture before the window moves into its decisive stretch.