Arsenal Transfers: 5 central midfielders the Gunners should target this summer

Granit Xhaka enjoyed a fine 2021/22 season, but there’s no denying that an upgrade on the Swiss midfielder is required for Arsenal to develop further next season.

The ever-available Xhaka primarily functioned as the left-sided #8 in Mikel Arteta’s 4-3-3 last season where he was tasked with rotating into the defence to facilitate the advancement of the Gunners’ left-back. However, he was also a heavy contributor to Arsenal’s possession play from the left half-space and was frequently tasked with interchanging with those around him to befuddle opposing defences.

Overall, Xhaka performed his function admirably, but his lack of athleticism and limitations in the final third mean he isn’t the ideal profile for this role.

Thus, this summer, Arsenal will target a midfielder capable of usurping Xhaka. A proficient technician that’s smart, adept in tight spaces, and athletic enough to help out in defensive transition would be ideal.

5 central midfielders Arsenal should target this summer

Here are five possibilities for Arsenal to consider.

1. Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans is believed to be a priority target for Arsenal this summer, with the player recently hinting that a move away from the King Power Stadium could be on the cards.

Arsenal are linked with a £25m move for the Belgian who has just a year remaining on his current Leicester deal. And while the player is believed to have been keen on joining a club that could offer him Champions League football, no such suitors have been forthcoming.

Thus, as it stands, the Gunners have a clear path towards Tielemans, and there’s no doubting that he’d be an astute addition. Sure, he did endure a down year in 2021/22, but his class has persistently been on display since he joined the Foxes in January 2019.

The Belgian midfielder is an excellent passer who’s well-suited to the left-sided #8 role in Arteta’s 4-3-3. There are some concerns over his capacity to defend space, especially in transition, but Tielemans will nonetheless contribute in the defensive phase. He’s an aggressive defender who comes to life immediately after his side loses possession.

Thus, he could be instrumental in Arsenal’s counter-press and ensuring they sustain attacks.

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