Mikel Arteta is charged with leading a revolution as Arsenal manager.
The Gunners spent big in the transfer market last summer and even more squad turnover is expected once the 2019/20 season finishes.
Arteta must find a new midfield formula, including someone to sit as the anchor of his team. So who could fulfil that brief?
Eduardo Camavinga
Club: Rennes
Age: 17
Nationality: France
The 17-year-old has become a hot property this season, becoming a key figure for Rennes in Ligue 1. Eduardo Camavinga is believed to be on Real Madrid’s radar, with Zinedine Zidane viewing the teenager as the ideal successor to Casemiro, but a move to the Emirates Stadium would also see him take the next step in his fledgling career.
Arsenal would have to spend big to sign Camavinga, with some reports putting Rennes’ asking price at €100million, but they showed a willingness to get the chequebook out last summer, signing Nicolas Pepe for a club record fee. The signing of Camavinga would be a similar sort of investment in the future.
Owen Otasowie
Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Age: 19
Nationality: American
He might be the least renowned target on this list, but Owen Otasowie warrants a mention as a potential solution to Arsenal’s defensive midfield deficiency. The young American was signed to a new contract at Wolves just three months ago, tying him to the Molineux club until 2022. This says a lot about how he is regarded at the club.
Arsenal are believed to be fans of the 19-year-old who can also play at centre back. This versatility would surely appeal to Arteta given the Gunners’ need to strengthen in defensive areas too. However, Liverpool, PSG and Schalke are also thought to be potential suitors for the Wolves youngster.
Thomas Partey
Club: Atletico Madrid
Age: 26
Nationality: Ghana
This season has been a difficult one for Atletico Madrid, but the performances of Thomas Partey have been a highlight. Indeed, the Ghanian has outshone many of his Atleti teammates, becoming an indispensable component of Diego Simeone’s midfield unit. Thomas’ release clause of £42million has potential suitors circling.
Arsenal are one of the many clubs reported to be interested in the 26-year-old with recent reports stating the Gunners are ready to pay the money needed to lure him to the Emirates Stadium. While Thomas might not be an archetypal defensive midfielder, he would give Arteta something he doesn’t currently have.
Declan Rice
Club: West Ham
Age: 21
Nationality: England
Long billed as the future of the England midfield, it’s become clear that Declan Rice will need to leave West Ham to fulfil his potential in the game with the Hammers fighting for their mere survival in the Premier League this season.
Most recently, Rice was linked with a move to Chelsea with Manchester United's interest also well documented, but the 21-year-old would also be a good fit for Arsenal given their midfield needs. The signing of Rice would also bolster the Gunners’ homegrown core and make a statement of intent.
Denis Zakaria
Club: Borussia Monchengladbach
Age: 23
Nationality: Swiss
Borussia Monchengladbach have been one of the biggest success stories of the Bundesliga season so far and Denis Zakaria has been a significant part of that. The Swiss midfielder has been so impressive for the German outfit that Liverpool are reported to be weighing up a summer transfer offer.
Zakaria acts as a true barrier in front of the back four. While he might be comfortable on the ball, it’s the 23-year-old’s energy and awareness of space that makes him such a special talent. Arsenal have been desperate for a player in the mould of Zakaria for years.
