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Despite making four signings so far, Arsenal‘s recent transfer links shows Mikel Arteta’s burning desire to strengthen the attacking midfield position.
THE LOWDOWN: ARTETA WANTS A PARTICULAR TRAIT FROM MIDFIELD
Arsenal have already secured their top summer target, following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in a £45million move. Overall, the Gunners have been pretty active, with Fabio Vieira joining from Porto, goalkeeper Matt Turner joining from MLS side New England Revolution and Brazilian youngster Marquinhos joining from Sao Paulo.
Arsenal are now looking to strengthen other positions on the pitch but it appears there is an apparent need for Arteta to bring in an attacking midfielder. Not just any midfielder, but one with an eye for goal. On closer look, it is easy to see why that has become a priority for the north London side.
Boasting a goal-scoring midfielder might be seen as a luxury but in the current clime, it is often crucial and now something the top clubs look out for. The name Kevin De Bruyne immediately comes to mind and needs no introduction.
In fact, Arsenal have lacked a proper goal-scoring midfielder since Aaron Ramsey left the club in 2019 and that has left the Gunners a bit short on the attacking front. Talking about goals from a central area, Martin Odegaard was the club’s leading name last season, boasting four goals from that position out of his seven total Premier League goals scored.
It is no surprise that Arsenal have been linked with a move for Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans and more recently, Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta.
Two years ago, club legend Ray Parlour claimed the Gunners need a midfielder who can score 10 goals a season. To date, his sentiments remain valid.
THE LATEST: LUCAS PAQUETA ON ARSENAL’S RADAR
Arsenal were intent on a move for Tielemans at the start of the window but those links seemed to have cooled down.
Lucas Paqueta is the latest name whispered around the Emirates, although question marks remain over his price tag.
A report from Brazillian outlet UOL Esporte has claimed that £50million is the lowest offer that Lyon will consider.
After spending in the range of that amount on Gabriel Jesus, it is highly unlikely Arsenal will sanction another signing of that magnitude
THE VERDICT: TIELEMANS OR LOOK ELSEWHERE
Admittedly, Paqueta’s 11 goals from midfield last season will be a dream addition for any side but Arsenal are unlikely to meet Lyon’s transfer demands.
With seven goals scored last term, Tielemans boasts similar scoring potent and is already Premier League proven as well. There is an added advantage that the Belgian star has one more year remaining on his contract, meaning Leicester might be forced to sell him now rather than to lose him for free next summer. For a player who is the club’s record signing, it is pretty obvious which route the Foxes would prefer to take.
Regardless of whatever happens, it is evident that Arteta is on the lookout for a midfielder that can chip in with several goals as well and we’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out.
