Arsenal have targeted former Premier League star Steven N’Zonzi as they attempt to bolster their midfield this summer.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi is in talks with Arsenal regarding a possible move this summer. The former Premier League midfielder worked under newly appointed Arsenal coach Unai Emery during their time together at Sevilla.
And the Spanish mastermind is keen on a reunion this summer as he looks to usher in a new era at Arsenal next season.
Following the departure of the legendary Arsene Wenger last season, the North-London giants are expected to undergo a transfer overhaul in this window. In fact, Emery has already secured the signings of experienced campaigners in Stephan Lichtsteiner and Sokratis along with Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
However, central midfield still remains a primary weakness for the Gunners. But, as it seems, N’Zonzi has been identified as a perfect fit in that respective position.
In the past couple of seasons, Arsenal have struggled a lot in the midfield department, largely due to the lack of a proper defensive midfielder. Ever since the breakup of the Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin partnership, the Premier League giants have failed to configure a solid partnership in that area.
Coquelin bid Arsenal adieu last season while Cazorla’s contract has been allowed to expire, with the Spaniard currently training with Villarreal. Even though the midfield duo of Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey did gradually improve last campaign, the absence of a genuine defensive midfield could haunt the Gunners in the upcoming season.
Thus, Steven N’Zonzi is a viable target for Arsenal as they aim to make an impression next season. Having worked with him during his time with Sevilla, coach Emery firmly believes that the Frenchman has the skillset to thrive at the club.
N’Zonzi is no stranger to the Premier League either, having amassed almost 200 appearances during his previous stints with Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers. The Sevilla midfielder has remained a consistent performer in top-flight football for the past few seasons and being selected for the French World Cup squad is a testament of that.
Additionally, he also has the necessary physical attributes and can add a dose of freshness into the midfield, which Arsenal have been lacking in recent times.
Their lack of physicality in midfield has confined them to play one-dimensional football in the middle third. But, the addition of N’Zonzi will undoubtedly enable Arsenal to become much more imposing in that area of the pitch. N’Zonzi himself, is an experienced footballer and will definitely prove to be an upgrade to Coquelin, ultimately helping the Gunners reach to the very top of their game next season.
