Arsenal chose not to make any big signings during the January transfer window, which suggests they may have plans to spend big during the summer transfer window. One area of concern for Arsenal, apart from the striker role, is the midfield position.
In the previous window, Arsenal made their marquee signing by acquiring Declan Rice for a staggering €105M. He has proven to be worth every penny of the price tag. However, some people have criticized the signing of Kai Havertz from their London rivals, Chelsea, as it is unclear whether he was the right fit for the Gunners. Although he is slowly proving his worth, the question remains whether he is enough to take Arsenal to the next level.
Rumors are circulating about potential midfield targets such as Zubimendi, Frenkie De Jong, and other highly-rated players who could elevate Arsenal to the next level. In this article, we will take a closer look at these players and what they could bring to the North London giants.
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Let’s start by broadly categorising the role into 2 aspects: Offensively and Defensively.
Offensively to exploit the open spaces, have spatial awareness to get in the right spot to receive the ball, first touch, composure, carrying and finally passing to find the AMF in front. Something Thomas Partey has done for us quite often from that position.
Defensively able to position himself, anticipate the ball & show quality in 1v1 duels, tackling, winning aerial duels & have the quality to stop the defensive transition. Arteta has a knack to sign players who can play multiple positions and also interchange throughout the game.
So, who are the potential midfielders who can raise the ceiling and take Arsenal to the next level?
Martin Zubimendi:
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Zubimendi is a high quality midfielder whose on the ball qualities are unmatched. High volume passer, duel winner and a great deep lying player maker. Zubimendi would be the base in creating attacks from a much more defensive position. Covers the baseline requirements and also indirectly allows Rice to push higher up the pitch whilst also being able to cover at the back.
Currently functions in a double pivot for Real Sociedad but can quite comfortably switch to being the deep lying playmaker in a lone 6. Ball winning #6/8’s who has the ability to be nailed on at #6, particularly in the Premier League. Potentially one of the best and most realistic options to replace Partey in market. We’ve seen the Jorginho x Rice pivot taking Arsenal to another level every time they’ve played together and Zubimendi can be the one who effortlessly does the Jorginho role.
At 60M, he elevates the team in quite a lot of aspects and is a standard Arteta signing you would expect.
Amadou Onana:
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Amadou Onana is a #6/8 hybrid who makes his physicality and athleticism inked throughout the game. His quality in 1v1 duels, tackling, winning aerial duels and stopping the defensive transition is a boost. A very quick player for his size and is a really good ball carrier too. His 6’4 height is a potential game changer in offence and defence. His physical presence in the middle of the park is an asset to have in a side.
If we see him as a Partey replacement, he should be forming a pivot with Rice. As a DM, he gives Rice the freedom to play LCM and also as a textbook B2B midfielder His ability to carry the ball with ease makes me biased to call him as a B2B destroyer.
Joao Palhinha:
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Joao Palhinha is widely known for his unwavering commitment in tackling, positioning & winning aerial duels. Impressive OOP & one of the best tacklers in the league. He has the height, the long legs and physicality to feature in a lone #6 role – which he does at Fulham. Has a knack to find the right passes through the channel and change the point of attack.
His age bracket essentially means he’ll bring in a lot of experience into the side. Good at applying pressure and dispossessing the opponent from the ball makes Arsenal a lot more clinical with less of the ball.
Could function as the #6 in a double pivot with Declan Rice and also has the versatility to tuck into the defence and form a 3 at the back alongside 2 CB’s. Instant level raiser to replace any of our midfield options.
Frenkie De Jong:
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One of the best ball carrying midfielders in the game. Incredibly press resistant and can get out of the tightest of spaces. Key in starting and stopping transitions. Very difficult to be tackled off the ball because of his low centre of gravity & strong balance.
If given the freedom to carry and roam with the ball he is deadly. Rice at the base with Martin Ødegaard up front will easily create attacks for us. Pretty evident that no one would want to pay FDJ’s high wages, this deal makes sense only if everything financially falls in place.
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Early on when he made his move to Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong suggested a hint towards signing for Arsenal during his career; “In my mind, I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Barcelona-Arsenal, call it the Marc Overmars route.”
