Arsenal Eyeing Up Second Chance At Arturo Vidal

Arsenal were linked to Arturo Vidal over the summer but he chose Bayern Munich. Now that the fallout has begun, could Arsenal swoop for him again?

There were a lot of factors tying Arturo Vidal to Arsenal last summer. For starters, he was available, given the fact that he did move. Any time anyone is available, chances are they will be linked to Arsenal. However, aside from that painfully obvious fact, there were other aspects of the rumors that played in his favor as well.

Related Story: Arsenal Bottling Krystian Bielik's Potential

Vidal is a close friend of Alexis Sanchez given their exploits together with the Chilean National team. They were both prominent members in the Copa America winning side and it would have made sense to bring the two together.

Lastly, Vidal plays that all-important and still largely vacated role of defensive midfielder. Arsenal have since signed Mohamed Elneny but Wenger has clearly stated that the Egyptian is not a defensive midfielder.

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

So what makes Arturo Vidal any more likely now? Well, for starters, he is having a bit of a meltdown at Bayern Munich. It all started after Christmas break, when wantaway manager Pep Guardiola berated his club for returning out of shape. It has since been widely accepted that Vidal was the object of his criticism as the Chilean has only played 44 minutes in the two games since returning.

Matters got a bit worse when reports from Germany indicated that Vidal showed up to training drunk. Vidal has quickly dismissed the reports as lies and is even pursuing legal action. However, that could be because he actually was not drunk or it could be because he does not want reports floating around that expose that he was drunk. After all, he did have a scary episode over the summer where he was involved in a car crash.

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?

Whatever the case, Vidal is not enjoying his time at Bayern Munich right now. Pep Guardiola is not going to make matters any better as he is on his way out, to be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti. As is the case anytime there is a new manager, some players are bound to make way. Vidal’s troubled past and bothersome present may already be predestined to make him one of the oddballs out.

Arsenal could find a perfect opportunity to swoop for the Chilean at a moment where he has something to prove. It is widely established that Arsenal could still use some vital additions at the base of the midfield and Arturo Vidal provides that. Plus, he is not a sit back and defend type either, as he has the capabilities to be an offensive threat.

Again, the likelihood is slim. Wenger sees Elneny as the solution. But it is also known that Rosicky, Arteta and Flamini are all set to move on at the end of the year, vacating three midfield spots that thus far have only been filled by Elneny.

Next: 5 Players Arsenal Missed Out On In January

There is always room for more big midfielders.