Arsenal have ambitions not only to qualify for the Champions League but to take their side back to the top. Mikel Arteta sits top of the Premier League thanks to the Gunners picking up five wins out of six.
However, the likelihood is that Arsenal will be fighting with the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United for the fourth spot come the end of the season. To give themselves the best possible chance, I suggested that Arteta must find his version of a Fabinho and Rodri so that like both Liverpool and Manchester City, the club has that world-class midfield to anchor their side’s middle third.
Finding who that player could be though is the challenge. Here for football.london I suggest a number of options who could become an equivalent star for the club, although the challenge to secure such a player is no easy feat.
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Ruben Neves
The Portuguese international has been linked with the Gunners in the past two summer windows and yet no move has materialised. Neves is still only 25 and has since become the Wolves' captain after the departure of Conor Coady.
A proven Premier League star, Ruben Neves provides Wolves the passing quality needed to conjure attacks from their own third and also the coverage of the backline to protect when necessary. With one year left on his deal come next summer, Wanderers may be more open to earning a serious fee from a club like Arsenal.
Jude Bellingham
The big name of the bunch but certainly what would be perceived as potentially the most unrealistic. Earmarked for a Liverpool transfer almost since his arrival in Germany, Jude Bellingham has fulfilled expectation and should be a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England side too.
His position for this conversation is the sticking point, however. The 19-year-old is not a No. 6 in its purest form but similar to Thomas Partey, whilst being more naturally a central midfielder, his potential in the deeper role is certainly worth the investment.
Ibrahim Sangare
Having signed a new contract this summer window just gone, Arsenal may have missed the chance of a bargain for the Ivory Coast international. They’ll get their chance to see Ibrahim Sangare up close this coming Thursday when the Gunners host PSV in the Europa League.
Sangare has shown himself to be a brilliantly mobile yet progressive midfielder. He took the intriguing step from Ligue 1 Toulouse to the Eredivisie but showcasing his talents on the European stage has subsequently enhanced his profile thanks to his impressive form.
Declan Rice
If not for Bellingham, then Declan Rice would certainly be a shoo-in for the most unrealistic target on the list. Yet, if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League, arguably Mikel Arteta should be putting the club in the conversation for the biggest names in the sport.
Rice is a top-quality international level player who would slot into Arsenal’s No. 6 role comfortably. The biggest obstacle is likely to be Chelsea, who have been long-term admirers of Rice and would surely be financially capable of battling it out with their London rivals.
Wilfried Ndidi
The last Premier League proven option on this list is Ndidi. Despite it being Youri Tielemans linked with a move to Arsenal, many believe the better option from the Foxes midfield would be the Nigerian.
Ndidi became the N’Golo Kante replacement after a failed attempt with Nampalys Mendy. Ndidi is appreciated as one of the best in his position in the English top flight, although potentially wouldn’t fulfil the progressive demands that Mikel Arteta wants from the position but from a defensive perspective, he is top-class.
Edson Alvarez
Close to making a move to Chelsea on deadline day, Edson Alvarez was in favour of a switch to the Premier League, but Ajax deemed the move far too late in the day, especially having lost Lisandro Martinez and Antony to Manchester United.
Alvarez is appreciated for both his quality as a defensive midfielder but also the Mexican’s versatility enables him to cover at both centre-half and central midfield. The Blues were willing to go as high as a reported £50 million for the player and a similar fee might be needed next summer if Ajax are to be convinced to sell their next high-profile potential exit.
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