As June approaches, there are still certain questions that will have to be answered in the transfer window – in this article, I will take a closer look at our central midfield position.
Arsenal’s need for a new central midfielder:
The futures of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are both up in the air.
The fact that Arsenal were looking to sell Torreira for direct cash suggests that he is not a part of Arteta’s plans. Additionally, he is out of favor at Atletico Madrid. Edu Gaspar, our technical director admitted that he needs regular time. He is definitely not getting that at Arsenal next season. A move to Italy could be on the cards.
Guendouzi’s situation is a bit different. He fell out with Arteta over disciplinary reasons. When he returns from Berlin, Matteo will only have one year left on his contract. It seems highly unlikely that we extend his contract and a sale would suit all parties.
As things stand, Dani Ceballos will return to Real Madrid at the end of the season when his loan with Arsenal expires – there has been talk about a possible permanent move being made for him but it is not concrete enough to take at face value.
Mohamed Elneny has been a squad player this season, but should he get an offer from a team where he gets to start week in week out, perhaps both he and Arsenal will be tempted to part ways.
There are only two midfielders in the squad who are probably guaranteed to be here next season, which are Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. Depth as we all know is crucial for success. So, if the situation with the aforementioned midfielders is not solved, there will have to be additions made in the summer transfer market.
Since the club’s priorities seem to be an attacking midfielder and center-forward, here are 4 sensible central midfield options (#6/#8) that the club should look at for an affordable price:
1. Georginio Wijnaldum (30, Liverpool): With Gini’s contract ending in around 3 months, he will be a hot property. An all-action midfielder with bags of experience and pedigree. Arsenal should try to lure the Dutchman to the Emirates if possible, but there will be stiff competition from big European sides.
Wijnaldum’s 2020/21 Premier League season so far. – Via understat.com
2. Boubakary Soumare (22, Lille): Who hasn’t heard of Soumare? Always being mentioned with Arsenal, the 22-year old has proven that he has what it takes to make the move. Not only would he come at an affordable price, but our relationship with Lille is tremendous. Additionally, he is one player Lille are actively looking to shift out. Certainly, one to watch.
Market valuation as per transfermarkt: £20.7m.
3. Sander Berge (23, Sheffield): With Sheffield almost certainly going down, Sander Berge will be on the move. Not only is he Odegaard’s best friend, he has also proven to be an excellent footballer. The Blades will be forced to sell, and Arsenal should be ready to pounce. He has been followed extensively by Arsenal since his time at Valerenga.
Market valuation as per transfermarkt: £16.2m.
Sander Berge’s 2020/21 Premier League season so far – Via understat.com
4. Teun Koopmeiners (23, AZ Alkmaar): The 23-year old is having an incredible season. 13 goals and 4 assists in 22 games for a player who mainly occupies the deep-lying playmaker role is ridiculous. AZ’s captain will certainly be on the move in June, as he will have many suitors. Could Arsenal be one of them? We have been linked before, so let’s see.
Market valuation via Transfermakt: £13.50m.
In next week’s column, I will take a look at the departures side of things. If you have any cool central midfielder recommendations, interested to know who in the comments below!
