Arsenal Defensive Midfield Solution Actually Isaac Hayden

Arsenal look to have completed their first transfer for a defensive midfielder. Only it was no transfer, just cutting a loan short with Isaac Hayden.

Arsene Wenger was very outspoken about how busy he would be in January. It would make sense that we would naturally assume that he meant he would be busy signing new players. Yet it looks like his first order of business will be welcoming back Isaac Hayden to the Arsenal ranks.

Related Story: 5 Reasons Mohamed Elneny Is Perfect For Arsenal

Steve Bruce announced that there was a mutual agreement that Hayden would be returning to Arsenal in January, as we can see from the official Hull City Twitter account.

Twitter never lies.

Hayden had yet to latch onto a starting role as he had only been able to notch 12 appearances in his time there. The Metro is opining that he could be loaned out again. However, knowing Arsene Wenger, this is going to count as another transfer. He does, after all, fit the bill as a defensive midfielder. At 20 years old, he needs to be breaking into the first team before too much longer. There are not many better times than now, when the defensive midfield is quite literally up for grabs.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

It has not been revealed who prompted the move, only that it was mutually agreed upon. But we can hazard a guess that Wenger is acquiring Hayden to finally give him a shot in the Arsenal midfield.

Not only that, but it has recently come to the attention of all that Mohamed Elneny may not be a shoe-in to acquire a work permit. According to the Guardian, seeing as how Egypt has slipped out of the FIFA top 50 world rankings, it is not a given that a work permit will be granted.

Although, the most likely scenario is also quoted by the Guardian: “Egypt’s current position of 57 does not meet those requirements, meaning Arsenal are likely to face an appeal. But with Elneny having featured in every competitive match for the Pharaohs over the past two years, they are expected to be granted special dispensation to sign him.”

More from Arsenal Transfer Rumours

• Arsenal Transfers: Emile Smith Rowe could leave club before summer deadline
• Arsenal Transfers: Gabriel will not be leaving this summer
• Why Arsenal could sell Folarin Balogun to London rivals
• 5 defenders Arsenal could sign after Jurrien Timber injury
• Why was Kieran Tierney left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad?

So now all we do is wait. Elneny passed his medical, all that is required is that permit. So either Hayden is there to bolster a defensive midfield that is already going to be bolstered or he is the fail-safe in case Elneny cannot get a work permit right away.

Whatever the case, the result is fantastic. Arsenal will be gaining two strong, defensive-minded players to compensate for the loss of Francis Coquelin. Add to that the emergence of Calum Chambers as a viable midfield option and suddenly, Arsenal’s midfield is looking pretty solid.

The addition of Elneny was always going to be a positive one, but the question arose of whether it would be enough. Coquelin was on his own to man the midfield before, and seeing as how he is out injured now, that would leave Elneny to man the midfield by himself. By adding Hayden to the mix, Arsenal suddenly goes from one injured defensive midfielder to two healthy, strong midfielders with Coquelin returning and Chambers still proving himself. So by the end of the year, Arsenal will have four defensive midfield options.

Next: Arsenal's 50 Most Defining Moments

That sounds like an incredibly stout midfield and one with tons of potential. Hopefully everyone lives up to their billing and Arsenal can reap the rewards.