Arsenal can land Bayern Munich transfer on bargain fee

Arsenal tying down Granit Xhaka on a new long-term contract was the ultimate anti-climax to a deal that had been in the offing all summer, and as a result saw Mikel Arteta’s side linked with a host of exciting central midfielders.

While the new deal for Xhaka has upsides – like him being a very good footballer – it also came as a huge surprise and dulled a few appetites that were thirsting for a new flavour. Many didn’t want the same, boring taste for another few years.

No such life was injected into that area of the pitch and a Thomas Partey and Xhaka pivot looks set to be the pairing going forward until they’re both into their 30’s. There are much worse duos.

What that decision has meant, however, is that Arsenal are seemingly no longer in need of a body in that area: Albert Sambi Lokonga has arrived and as much as everyone loathes the idea, Mohamed Elneny looks to be seeing out his own deal.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 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
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Arsenal can land Bayern Munich transfer on bargain fee as midfielder Corentin Tolisso is available for cut-price £8m summer move

Yet, with Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock gone, two who look for all the world to be joined by Lucas Torreira and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Arteta is left with just four senior options to choose from heading into next season. One of those is Elneny, remember.

There is no European football to contend with but there are Thomas Partey’s legs to consider, which if they continue to come a cropper will be on the endangered species list. Lose the Ghanaian – Arsenal already have and will again alongside Elneny for AFCON 2020 – and that leaves Xhaka and the new boy Sambi. That’s it.

Preferably the FA Cup and Carabao Cup won’t be dead in the water by then, either.

Yes, there is Miguel Azeez but while he shall earn the occasional minutes here and there it’s important that all are reminded he is just 18 years of age.

Boasting four for the campaign is a risky ploy. It may also be, however, the only course of action as even more important to source are a backup goalkeeper – if Bernd Leno’s hamstring goes it’s goodbye top half finish – and a creative midfielder – if Emile Smith Rowe’s thighs act up it’s goodbye top half finish – among other needs.

So when a formerly £35m player who happens to be a World Cup winner becomes available for £8m, do you take it? As per BILD, Arsenal are indeed looking at Corentin Tolisso.

Are they right to?

Continued…