Arsenal need to add to the midfield department in the transfer window. Despite a strong starting pivot in the middle of the park, there is a lack of quality in depth to boost Mikel Arteta’s options.
Youri Tielemans was thought to be the main target to bolster the Arsenal midfield. However, doubts have reportedly emerged about the signing of the Belgian.
If Edu does opt against signing Tielemans, then it is crucial that an alternative is signed. A potential option for the Gunners is Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but they will have to beat Manchester United to his signature.
Tielemans has been linked to the club since the end of the last campaign, with CBS Sports reporting that the Gunners are currently the front runners to sign Tielemans. Arsenal reportedly already know that the Belgian will not sign a new deal and could be available for as little as £25million.
Despite being aware of the price tag, Edu had been reluctant to pay the price as, according to TalkSport, there were doubts about the physicality of the Belgian. Tielemans had been caught out defensively numerous times during the previous campaign.
Milinkovic-Savic could certainly be the better alternative, and if reports are to be believed. It’s also the thoughts shared by the Arsenal recruitment team as, according to a report from Italian publication Il Mattino, they claim that Lazio are hoping to sell the 27-year-old to either Arsenal or United for around €55-60 million (£46-50 million).
Italian outlet Tutto Juve, via Sport Witness, previously reported that the Gunners were ready to up their efforts for the midfielder. The report adds that the Arsenal are willing to offer £42million for his service.
Last season, the Gunners looked lightweight at times in midfield as Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka both suffered from injury. They have already added playmaker Vieira to their squad this summer, and a deal for Milinkovic-Savic would add some much-needed competition for Swiss international Xhaka.
Alternatively, If the Spaniard opts for three players in the centre of midfield, then he would be an excellent option to have on the left-hand side for the future. Milinkovic-Savic would be a good signing for Arsenal, but the added interest of Manchester United will make a deal tougher, but it is an excellent chance for Arteta to exact revenge on the Gunners’ rival after they signed Lisandro Martinez at the expense of the Manchester side.
