Arsenal: 3 free agents Arteta should be looking at for rebuild

Georginio Wijnaldum – Liverpool

The lack of depth and quality in midfield has been striking; Thomas Partey‘s injuries mean he hasn’t settled in fully; Granit Xhaka will always be average and the less said about Mohamed Elneny and Dani Ceballos, the better. Bringing in Georginio Wijnaldum, then, would instantly elevate the level of the midfield while keeping money in the bank for other signings.

A host of rival players have moved to Arsenal in recent times. David Luiz and Willian are the most recent examples. Wijnaldum, however, would be a very different signing.

First up is his age. While not exactly a youth player anymore, he is still only 30. A few years at the top-flight of English football is not outrageous, especially given where he’s coming from. Any player who has played for Jurgen Klopp’s energetic and high-pressing team will have a nearly unparalleled level of fitness.

Wijnaldum truly fits the engine room analogy. He is constantly moving, picking up the ball and distributing it quickly and efficiently. He does what all midfielders should do; he connects the defense and attack. Above all, he does it so effortlessly. Extremely press resistant (much needed after seeing Xhaka play week in and week out), he also possesses the stamina to harass opposing players as well as get back and defend.

Arteta will also be drawn by his tactical flexibility. Wijnaldum has played both in a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3. Since Arteta currently plays with the former and wants to merge into the latter, it suits.

The Dutch international has a lot left in the tank and his ability to pass as well as drive forward with the ball fits Arteta’s midfielder checklist. A Wijnaldum-Partey pivot would be formidable indeed, even if obvious age issues and realism would make this deal highly unlikely.