Four players Arsenal will chase to fill midfield void

Robin Bairner

7 Jan 2022 16:45 GMT
4 min read

Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates for PSG against RB Leipzig in the Champions League — © ProShots

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that his side will seek midfield reinforcements over the course of the January transfer window.

Article continues under the video

Although Albert Sambi was added to their ranks in the summer, Mohamed Elneny’s international commitments plus a loan to Roma for the disgruntled Ainsley Maitland-Niles has left the Gunners short in the heart of the field.

Arteta’s words mark something of a shift in Arsenal’s transfer policy. Previously, it was speculated that they would make the forward areas the part of the team that they might prioritise due to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s disciplinary issues and the uncertainty over Alexandre Lacazette’s future.

These issues appear to have been put to one side for now.

It will be a central midfielder that Arsenal likely chase, despite suggestions that the more forward-thinking Emile Smith Rowe could be shipped out on loan after being a substitute in recent Premier League games.

So who is likely to be on the shortlist?

Georginio Wijnaldum

PSG whisked Netherlands international Wijnaldum away from Barcelona during the summer transfer window, but the move has so far proved wholly unsuccessful.

Wijnaldum is said to want a move back to the Premier League, where he thrived with Newcastle and Liverpool, and Arsenal could be a legitimate option.

Although the Parisians may not want to sell, if Arsenal are open to a loan deal, then this could certainly be a workable solution that suits all parties.

Franck Kessie

The Milan midfielder has been in excellent form so far this season and is out of contract in the summer. With little prospect of a renewal, the door is open for a January move.

Although a cluster of clubs, including Tottenham, are likely to be interested in the Ivory Coast star, Arsenal’s strong league position and excellent reputation gives them as good a shot as any at signing the 25-year-old.

His participation in the Africa Cup of Nations may count against a January deal, however.

Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain

The Ox appears to be on his way out of Liverpool and a return to the Emirates Stadium has been mooted.

When the England international departed the Gunners for Anfield in 2017, he was a regarded as a highly promising young forward. He has never reached his potential due to a succession of injuries and now finds himself typically playing in central midfield.

Eager to play more first-team football, he could get that opportunity at Arsenal, where he could take his game to new levels in a role he is still learning.

Aaron Ramsey

Juventus have already said that Ramsey is a player who will leave Turin in January, and a return to Arsenal has naturally been suggested.

Several Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in the Wales international, including Burnley, Everton and Newcastle, which looks his likeliest destination.

Although links to Arsenal have weakened in recent weeks, the words of Arteta and Allegri inevitably mean that 31-year-old will be associated with the club he left in the summer of 2019.