Arsenal’s midfield search
Arsenal need midfield reinforcements. With Matteo Guendouzi having departed the club, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are expected to follow this summer.
Thank you Arsenal FC, thanks for everything ! I discovered and learned so much during my time here. It would be impossible to list everything without forgetting one memory or word… But I will never forget any minute spent with the Gunners jersey. pic.twitter.com/LjjlOyzwwM
— Matteo Guendouzi (@MatteoGuendouzi) July 6, 2021
This would leave just Thomas Partey, Joe Willock and Mohammed Elneny as senior options for Mikel Arteta to turn to.
Fortunately, the Gunners have already begun to remedy this. Anderlecht’s promising midfielder Sambi Lokonga is on the verge of making the switch to North London according to reports, adding another young profile to the squad.
Albert Sambi Lokonga to Arsenal, here we go soon! The agreement is set to be completed with Anderlecht – final details then paperworks time. Personal terms agreed since weeks til 2026. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
No medical scheduled yet, negotiations at final stages. €17.5m + add ons. #Lokonga
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2021
Another one in?
However, it seems unlikely that Arsenal’s recruitment drive will stop there. Granit Xhaka, one of the more influential players in Arteta’s squad, is on the verge of departing the club to Roma. It would be unfair to expect Lokonga to replace the Swiss international in his first season in English football.
Instead, the Gunners are thought to be in the market for a more senior central midfielder to partner Partey.It seems as though they had their sights set on Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli, but have been dealt a blow since Locatelli’s preference is to play for Juventus.
Arsenal are interested in signing Ruben Neves. Locatelli’s preference is to join Juventus. [@DiMarzio on @SkySport Calciomercato show]
— Z (@ZRAFC) July 8, 2021
As per Di Marzio, this has led to Arsenal re-igniting their interest in Ruben Neves, Wolves’ 24-year-old midfielder.
I like Ruben Neves, a lot. Think he adds a lot of what we’re losing and things we’ve been lacking from the role:
– Better progression
– Directness of passing
– Technical ability
– Tackling strengthThe mistake you may see is that he’s “another Xhaka.” Don’t fall for it. pic.twitter.com/9K5dT6vO39
— The Gooner Talk (@TheGoonerTalkTv) July 8, 2021
It will be fascinating to see how this saga develops across the summer.
