USMNT Star Sets Sights on Arsenal Move: "I Think I Would Fit In"
United States men's national team midfielder Malik Tillman has expressed his desire to join Arsenal in the future, citing manager Mikel Arteta as a key factor in his attraction to the North London club.
Following an impressive campaign with PSV Eindhoven during the 2024–25 season, Tillman secured a transfer to Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen. However, the 23-year-old is already considering his next potential destination, with the Premier League firmly in his sights.
"I don't support any particular [Premier League] club, but Arsenal is the one team I'd absolutely love to represent," Tillman shared with B/R Football. "Their current playing style... they possess an excellent manager, an outstanding system, and I believe I could integrate well into their setup."
The American midfielder also mentioned that a former teammate's passion for Arsenal contributed to his growing appreciation for the club. However, is there any realistic possibility of Tillman donning the red jersey in the coming years?
Why Tillman's Ideal Move Remains Unlikely Right Now
Why Tillman's Ideal Move Remains Unlikely Right Now
Despite Tillman's aspirations to call the Emirates Stadium home, he requires additional time to develop his abilities before earning a spot in the starting lineup of one of Europe's elite clubs. The attacking midfielder transitioned from being PSV's star performer to experiencing inconsistent form at Bayer Leverkusen.
Malik Tillman – Performance Overview at PSV Eindhoven in 2024–25
Malik Tillman – Performance Overview at PSV Eindhoven in 2024–25
Tillman accumulated 21 goal contributions across 34 matches for PSV during the previous campaign. His versatile creativity, strong physical presence, and calmness in crucial moments established him as one of America's most promising young talents.
Bayer Leverkusen recognized his potential and activated Tillman's €35 million ($41.2 million) buyout clause to secure his services. However, the USMNT star has struggled to replicate his Dutch success in German football.
Malik Tillman – Performance Overview at Bayer Leverkusen in 2025–26
Malik Tillman – Performance Overview at Bayer Leverkusen in 2025–26
Across 27 matches for Bayer Leverkusen, Tillman has managed only six goals. More troubling is his creative output; the playmaker has failed to register a single assist since joining the club last summer.
These disappointing statistics would unlikely catch Arsenal's attention, though an outstanding World Cup performance could significantly boost Tillman's reputation.
Tillman's Career Trajectory May Hinge on the 2026 World Cup
Tillman's Career Trajectory May Hinge on the 2026 World Cup
Tillman virtually guaranteed his position in Mauricio Pochettino's starting eleven following an outstanding 2025 Gold Cup performance. The 23-year-old contributed three goals and two assists during last summer's competition and featured in every minute of the United States' journey to the final, where they were defeated by Mexico.
However, the significance of the 2026 World Cup, taking place primarily on American soil, far exceeds that of the Gold Cup. Similar to his transition from PSV to Bayer Leverkusen, Tillman must elevate his performance from regional competition to facing world-class opposition.
Should he falter on football's biggest platform, the USMNT's emerging talent could quickly lose his standing. Fortunately for Tillman, rediscovering his best form on the global stage could not only help the United States advance beyond the group phase but also secure the high-profile transfer he envisions.
Indeed, no platform provides better exposure than the World Cup. Consider Major League Soccer's latest acquisition James Rodríguez, who earned his Real Madrid transfer following an exceptional 2014 World Cup campaign with Colombia.