4 deadline day contingency midfield options for Arsenal

The final hours of the summer transfer window are fast approaching and Arsenal appear intent on striking a few last-minute deals to consolidate their strong start to the domestic campaign.

The Gunners have impressed on the recruitment front to date and now boast significant strength in depth that should serve them well for the relentless bi-weekly schedule ahead. However, additional midfield reinforcements were required even after the recent £120m outlay and injuries to Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey last week may prompt further business before the deadline.

4 alternative midfield options Arsenal should consider on deadline day

Mikel Arteta has repeatedly stated the club is active in the market and assured supporters that more players will arrive if Arsenal can “implement their plan”, but also warned he will not be pressured into panic buys if the right profiles are not available.

There is an undoubted preference to operate under the radar and the board have already demonstrated a willingness to explore Plan B if priced out of their primary targets. Therefore, as Leicester remain steadfast in their efforts to keep the wantaway Youri Tielemans, here are four alternative midfield options Arsenal ought to feature on their contingency plans.

Option #1: Denis Zakaria (Juventus)

He has been linked to Arsenal previously and would bolster our Swiss representation in the engine room, so perhaps this is an opportune moment to finally make a move for out-of-favour Juventus star Denis Zakaria.

Despite only joining the Bianconeri in a cut-price January transfer, regular injury setbacks have severely limited Zakaria’s first-team involvement and the imminent arrival of Leandro Paredes suggests Allegri considers him to be surplus to requirements.

It is an unfortunate fate for the former Monchengladbach man as he possesses a range of desirable attributes such as an eye for progressive passes and bravery in possession, once declaring that he likes to carry the ball and “take on” opposition players. Zakaria is also a formidable defensive presence and is adept at screening the backline, where he can use his tremendous stamina and athleticism to cover the pitch and win the ball back for his side.

An extensive history of muscular issues means he will rank low among the list of priorities in these final hours, but for now, he is injury-free and desperate to prove himself at the highest level.

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