Given the African Cup of Nation (AFCON) which will take place in January 2022, it is likely that Arsenal will be without two first team midfielders, and as such signing a central midfielder in the winter transfer window will be crucial for the club.
Going through the Arsenal squad list, there are only five first team midfielders available for the entire season. Even though there are limited games to play this season due to the lack of European football, the five midfielders is not enough. The injury to Granit Xhaka has already left the gunners short in the midfield, and hence, another experience hand is needed. Summer signing, Lokonga was used to partner Thomas in the match against Brighton over the weekend, but his lack of experience showed in that match.
To make matters worse, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny won't be available for the team in January, due to the upcoming African Cup of Nations. They will miss almost four matches during this period, and these matches are crucial to Arsenal this season. So signing a central midfielder is of utmost importance (it already is). The question now is, Who would the club sign?
When Switzerland International midfielder, Xhaka was linked with a possible move to Roma in the summer, Arsenal were linked with a handful of talented midfielders. Among them were Locatelli (who eventually went to Juventus) and Lyon's Bruno Guimarães. With the need for another experience midfield in January, I will personally go for Bruno Guimarães.
The 23-year-old fit right into the age range Arteta is looking for, and he will provide the much-needed cover for the African players. Although the Brazilian is quite a different player from Elneny and Thomas, but I feel he will be the right choice for the gunners
If Arsenal are going to finish strong in this campaign, another midfielder will be needed.
Content created and supplied by: UnikJay (via Opera News )
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