Five new midfield targets for Arsenal
It seems nearly all of Arsenal’s reported midfield targets have slipped through the grasps of the club once again. The likes of Schneiderlin, Kondogbia, Khedira, and now Vidal have all opted for new clubs other than Arsenal, if you buy into the notion that the club were indeed after these players. Paul Pogba seems set to stay at Juventus, while the club is also set to miss out on William Carvalho, who didn’t leave his club like the others mentioned, but suffered an unfortunate long term stress fracture to his tibia.
Such has been Arsenal’s luck this summer, or stubborn reluctance whichever you buy into. On a positive note, the window is still relatively young, and there is still plenty of time for Wenger to do business should he please. Several top footballers are possibly on the market still, and it is not all doom and gloom. Have a look at five new midfield targets Arsenal should consider, and be sure to leave a comment with your views. Also, enter the sweepstakes down below for your chance to win a signed Arsenal 15/16 shirt.
Maxime Gonalons
A huge admirer of this player I am. Gonalons flies under the radar, but for me is one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. Supremely intelligent and tactically sound, the Lyon skipper marshals his back line superbly, snuffing out danger and winning possession back for his side. He has everything in Wenger’s reported laundry list for defensive midfield recruits; tall, strong, quick, and technically sound. Add top class defensive attributes to that list as well and you get Gonalons. He is a terrific one vs one defender and could even play centre half if needed. He is good in the air as well and is an asset in both offensive and defensive set piece. He is perfect for Arsenal and wouldn’t cost and arm and a leg to sign.
Axel Witsel
Witsel has found himself the subject of transfer speculation this week, with Chelsea reportedly interested in a deal for the 26 year old. Witsel is a part of the impressive new Belgium class and moved to Russian giants Zenit from Benfica in 2012. He started his career at hometown club Standard Liege in 2006, and quickly shot through the ranks. Witsel is a tall, strong, and powerful figure, and is a natural holding midfielder. This lad loves to break up attacks, using his big frame to hold off players and retain posses ion for his side. He is useful on the other side of the ball as well and isn’t afraid to charge forward. Witsel alongside Coquelin would add much height and physicality to the side.
Moussa Sissoko
Perhaps the least high profiled player on the list but the only player with Premier League experience as well. Sissoko would be a cheeky bargain buy, but not like the bargain buys of the past that simply papered over cracks. Sissoko has shown that he is a capable Premier League defensive midfielder and would provide excellent cover or competition for Coquelin (most likely the former). He has no Champions League experience which perhaps hinders him a bit but his superior physicality suggest he would cope just fine. He admitted earlier this year that he has always “loved” Arsenal and would jump at the chance to join in the future, and for me he is worth a shout.
Blaise Matuidi
The PSG man is as consistent and steady as they come in centre midfield, and is secretly among the world’s best holding midfielders. He would fit the bill at Arsenal; strong, pacey, and technically sound. Defensively, he is aggressive and combative and strong in the tackle. It doesn’t hurt that he is French as well and would join our French contingent lead by the big man Wenger. Matuidi was linked with Arsenal when he was on the books of St. Ettiene as well and has grown substantially since then. He would be a fabulous addition in defensive midfield.
Casemiro
The recent arrival of Lucas Silva along with the presence of Luka Modric and Isco could see Casemiro frozen out of the picture once more and the player just might be interested in a move to Arsenal. Casemiro is a brilliant defensive midfielder, excellent ball winner and intelligent tactician. He is technically sound as well in typical Brazilian fashion, and fancies joining in the attack as well. He can strike a sweet dead ball as well and knocked in a few free kicks last season for Porto.