Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Miralem Pjanic A Future Worth Holding Out For

Arsenal are still being tied heavily to Miralem Pjanic, so let’s go ahead and indulge ourselves in a future that involves the Bosian midfielder.

Arsenal‘s search for a long term replacement for Santi Cazorla is a serious business. It only got more serious when the Spaniard was essentially ruled out for the rest of the year. That will make two years now where we have been missing an aging Cazorla. When he plays such a massive role in both the offensive and the defensive side of things, that is a big deal.

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So Miralem Pjanic’s name has been thrown about like he is the chosen one – the midfielder to solve the age crisis.

I dashed these rumors against a rock earlier because the very concept of him moving from Juventus, just six months after joining them, while they are in the midst of a title run and he is so crucial to that run, is foolish.

Not only that, but he turned down moving to England to stay in Italy.

But in the future? In June, per say, why not? Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli was pretty convinced that it is a very realistic outcome in the summer, saying, via the Daily Star:

“He is really interested in going to Arsenal to test himself in the Premier League.”

I doubt that Giulianelli has heard this from Pjanic directly, but the logic lines up. Everyone wants to compete at that highest level and to keep improving.

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Who wouldn’t? It’s clear that, as Pjanic is already mastering the game at Juve, that another immediate step up would make sense. After all, he will be 27 this summer and while that isn’t old, it is certainly time to get going with that personal improvement thing.

Statistically, you won’t find anything better than what Pjanic has done with his time in pass-happy Serie A. So long as he makes at least 20 appearances, he is going to contribute to double-digit goals. It’s like science. Death, taxes, and Pjanic contributing to at least ten goals.

The man has a solid defensive repertoire as well, averaging over a tackle and an interception per appearance. And this is without much defense required from him in his traditional CM position.

Coming to Arsenal could make Pjanic the next Cazorla, but with more time to actually enjoy that role. And make no mistake about it, that is a role to be enjoyed. It is a glory-ridden role that will allow Pjanic to be himself, contribute to goals and be a central piece. But he will also learn to be even better, maximizing defensive efficiency and leading counter attacks.

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Against my better judgment, I am going to hold out hope that this move is in the works. And you should too.

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