Arsenal are keen to bring a defensive midfielder in January to reinforce a ‘problem position’ in their attempts to win major honours.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are firmly looking to sign a defensive midfielder in January to solve a problem position in the squad. Thomas Partey’s persistent injury troubles have left Mikel Arteta short of options, as he would like to bring someone to support Declan Rice in the team.
Since the season started, most media outlets have reported about Arsenal needing a new striker to bolster their attack. The likes of Ivan Toney and Dusan Vlahovic have seen links to the club, but in truth, Mikel Arteta has other plans.
The Gunners are not flush with cash ahead of the January window, although they are keen to bolster a few positions in the team with new signings. With Jurrien Timber injured, they might look at a new defender in the next window, while a midfielder also features on their agenda.
Arteta had planned the season with summer signing and Thomas Partey forming a solid midfield partnership that would give his side the base and steel in the middle. Unfortunately, the latter has continued with his niggling fitness concerns and probably will not play until the end of the year.
His absence has left Arteta with limited options ahead of a crunch period in their season. Hence, the manager does not want to rely on the Ghanian too much in the second part of the season and wants the club to sign a defensive midfielder on priority in January.
Recent chatter linked Fulham’s Joao Palhinha with a move, but the Portuguese might feature way down on Arteta’s shortlist. Douglas Luiz remains their priority target ahead of January, but Aston Villa will put up a fight to keep hold of the Brazilian, or at the very least slap a massive price tag to ward off suitors.
Ruben Neves also featured on their shortlist, but Arsenal have since ruled out a move for the Al-Hilal star. Arteta would like someone with Premier League experience, but the options are very thin at the moment.
Outside of England, Martin Zubimendi has been a target for the Gunners, who have chased him since last January. The Spanaird’s release clause makes things straightforward for the Gunners.
Ideally, Arteta would like the club to tie up a move for Luiz if the conditions suit their cause. Overall, it appears the north Londoners will prioritise signing a new defensive midfielder to boost their chances this season.
