The clamour for Arsenal to acquire a striker is becoming louder by the day, but this doesn’t mean that their midfield needs to be strengthened more.
The clamour for Arsenal to acquire a striker is becoming louder by the day, but this doesn’t mean that their midfield needs to be strengthened more.
After spending £170 million on Declan Rice and Kai Havertz last summer, Arsenal started renovating their engine room, but the work is still ongoing.
All three of the players are in their thirties, and Jorginho, Mohamed Elneny, and Thomas Partey have six months left on their current contracts each.
Another midfield alternative, Emile Smith Rowe, has been out of favour for more than a year due to physical difficulties, while Fabio Vieira, who cost £34 million when signed in 2022, has not yet shown himself.
Arsenal’s midfield is expected to change this month or in the summer, and the team is focused on the future. Scouting has taken place for Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, Amadou Onana of Everton, and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad.
Although Rice will have long-term competition at the base of midfield, accepting Jorginho’s option to extend his contract for an additional year will facilitate the transition. Though he would be glad to stay, Jorginho’s future is not expected to be discussed until later in the season.
The 32-year-old is one of the team’s most astute tactical players and a well-liked presence in the locker room. He is one of the smartest players Arteta has ever taught, and he assists in communicating the manager’s message, occasionally issuing directives while warming up as a substitute.
After spending about £400 million in the last three years, Arsenal is getting close to the Financial Fair Play threshold. Arsenal would gain time by keeping Jorginho for an additional year, and that feels crucial considering how little flexibility they have in the transfer market this month.
They are willing to transact this month, but in order to support them in their quest for the championship and the Champions League, the acquisition must be one that significantly bolsters the team.
Just as with objectives for forwards, it would not be simple to sign a midfield player. Villa, who currently sit second in the Premier League and are aiming for Champions League qualifying, are convinced that Luiz is not going anywhere.
With just one year remaining on his contract, Luiz received a £25 million bid from Arsenal, which the Midlands club turned down to demonstrate their strong position in the summer of 2022. Under former Gunners manager Unai Emery, he has since inked a new contract and is performing well.
Similar to how Arsenal felt about Zubimendi at this time last year, he is believed to be content with his childhood team, who are now in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
“Arsenal’s immediate need for a forward may lead to the midfield evolution being delayed, but it will happen”
Although it would appear most possible, a transaction for Onana would not be without its difficulties. Everton’s financial problems are well known, but it is difficult to see them offloading a vital player when they could be in danger of going down after their 10-point deduction.
Because of this, it would seem very likely that Onana will go this summer, and he will have no shortage of admirers. Numerous teams have expressed interest in him, notably Manchester United in the summer of last year and Chelsea in January. After evaluating Onana in January of last year, Arsenal has continued to monitor him.
On Monday, his representative shared on social media that she was in North London, presumably reaching out to clubs in preparation for a possible summer transfer.
At 22 and with Premier League experience under his belt, Onana is a good fit for Arsenal’s recruitment philosophy. He would give the Arsenal midfield more height and physicality at 6 feet 5 inches. The Belgian can play as a No. 8 or at the base of midfield, which is a trait Arteta values in players.
The midfield’s maturation may be slowed down by Arsenal’s pressing need for a forward, but it will happen eventually. Making ensuring Arsenal acquires the appropriate player to help the squad advance is a task.
