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Arsenal: Lining up replacements for a midfield in turmoil

By Mac Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal in action during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on July 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal in action during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on July 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Lucas Torreira
(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Lucas Torreira

Lucas Torreira is the least likely to leave out of our current starters, and as a result I have only lined up one potential replacement for him. Florentino Luis, a 20-year old defensive midfielder from Portugal, is currently plying his trade at Benfica.

The press has payed much attention to his teammate Gedson Fernandes, who has apparently attracted interest from Manchester United, but the key to Benfica’s success this year has been Florentino.

An excellent screen of the back four, he has been instrumental at breaking up play, and instigating counter attacks for the pace of Rafa Silva and Pizzi. He averages 3.5 tackles and 4.3 inerceptions per game, a mind-blowing statistic.

A long-ball specialist, he has featured prominently in Benfica’s Champion’s League campaign. With the recent addition of Julian Weigl, Benfica may have a reduced need for Florentino, and he would be a wonderful signing, even if not to replace Torreira.

Moving on to the next.

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