The January transfer window is fast approaching, and Arsenal has a clear area of the pitch they need to add depth.
With Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mohamed Elneny looking to leave North London, Edu will need to give Mikel Arteta some midfield options to work with for the rest of the season.
The Arsenal Way's presenter and writer Tom Canton (TC) spoke with writer Bailey Keogh (BK) and editor Chris Davison (CD) on Wednesday morning's Arsenal Agenda show. They talked about why a central midfielder should be the club's priority.
CD: “I’m feeling a little bit concerned about the prospect of not getting anyone else in next month. I think we’ve touched on the Elneny and Partey discussion about going to the Africa Cup Of Nations.
“Factoring that into Ainsley Maitland-Niles potential sale. I think we need a new midfielder regardless. It’s something I’ve said and felt for a long time now. Ever since the summer, the majority of Arsenal thought we needed someone else.
“To come in alongside Sambi Lokonga in the summer. Obviously, at the time, Granit Xhaka’s future was uncertain, so was Eleneny’s. Even he’s been linked with a move to Roma, I’ve read on social media.
“So, where does his future lie? If we lose him along with Maitland-Niles it’s just another space to fill. For me, I feel that the sale of Maitlan-Niles only increases the need for another option to come in.
“I very much think we need a new central midfielder anyway. I think Xhaka - I’m not his biggest fan. But, I admit since he’s come back from his injury, he’s done okay. But there are moments where he still frustrates me.
“He still frustrates Arsenal fans with his stupidity and tackles. He does unnecessary things to get in trouble with the referee. He takes on the ball sometimes and loses possession in dangerous areas.
“I think Xhaka is a good and useful player, but if you were to ask me can we get an upgrade on him? I would say absolutely, and it’s something Arsenal should be looking to do.
“We have a quality player in Partey who yes has had his struggles, but I still think we are starting to see the best version of him. But, we need a top-quality central midfielder through the door.“
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