Arsenal in talks over £17m Denis Zakaria transfer

Denis Zakaria Transfer Doesn’t Make Sense for Arsenal

Looking at the Arsenal midfield four, on the basis of Willock and Maitland-Niles leaving, there are two No. 6’s and two hybrid No. 6/8’s. Partey and Sambi can play the box-to-box role but as witnessed during pre-season it’s clear that Arteta prefers the Belgian in a deeper-lying zone, even allowing Xhaka to push further upfield.

Zakaria is a No. 6. A bruising, ball carrying and physically imposing No. 6. He likes to be the springboard for attacks and turnover possession and bring it forward instead of immediately relinquishing it, but he’s still a defensive midfielder.

There is little to nothing in terms of goal threat and with four behind-the-ball midfielders in the ranks already, do Arsenal need another?

Were Elneny to be moved on then Zakaria would be welcomed with open arms. The issue of his injury woes is one that can’t be ignored, yet it’s stated that the Swiss was running eight to ten kilometres per day in order to stay fit, doing so immediately after his nation were knocked out of the European Championships.

Such dedication is appreciated in this day and age – he also wants the best deal he can get – and at a strong age with a ceiling that’s been seen previously but still has room to be lifted, he fits the profile.

Yet even if the injury issues persist Arsenal have much of a muchness in that department.

Where there is also some concern is that while a £17m price tag has been placed on his head, with five known clubs involved in talks (how extensive said talks are isn’t known) it could spark a bidding war which will only see the fee increase.

Zakaria is someone who could absolutely work at Arsenal. Just not right now.