Arsenal’s midfield
Most Arsenal fans will likely agree that their club currently need to strengthen in two key areas.
These are at centre-forward and in central midfield.
Whilst both issues will need to be addressed in 2022, it has become obvious of late that central midfield represents the more pressing of the two.
Both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are away at the African Cup of Nations, potentially until the final which will take place on February 6th.
Elsewhere, the Gunners have loaned Ainsley-Maitland Niles to AS Roma for the remainder of the campaign.
This leaves just an inexperienced Albert Sambi Lokonga and Granit Xhaka as senior central midfield options at the club.
The latter of which has proven time and time again that he is a wreckless individual that cannot be relied upon when it really counts, with his latest mishap seeing him sent off after just 24 minutes at Liverpool earlier this month.
Arteta eyeing Barcelona man
So, it would, of course, make sense for the Gunners to be targeting a new central midfielder.
And Arsenal do appear to be doing so, with Juventus man Arthur said to be of interest.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Juventus for Arthur Melo will continue in the coming hours. Arsenal offering loan deal plus full salary covered until June – no obligation to buy clause included, as of now. ?? #AFC
Juventus are not accepting until they find a replacement.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2022
Now, an alternative option for Arthur has reportedly been identified by Mikel Arteta.
As per football.london citing Spanish outlet Fichajes:
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly requested the Gunners secure a deal for Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto should they fail in their attempts to sign Arthur Melo.
It is added that Roberto’s contract expires at the end of the campaign, with it is suggested that Xavi might be willing to sell the Spaniard.
