It’s set to be another dramatic deadline day for Arsenal as sporting director Edu looks to bring in a new midfielder before the window closes at 11pm on Tuesday.
The Gunners have already strengthened squad depth considerably with the additions of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior, but a potential long-term injury to Mohamed Elneny has all of a sudden left midfield lacking sufficient options and quality. This was highlighted during the second half of the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City on Friday, with Thomas Partey’s absence worryingly noticeable following the introduction of Albert Sambi Lokonga at the break.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that it is an area of concern and the club will look to address it should the right opportunity arise. Two rejected bids for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, the latest being a total of £70million, certainly suggests Arsenal are serious in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements. However, with the clock ticking, a decision must be made to either stick with their No. 1 target or to turn attention elsewhere.
READ MORE: Three Moises Caicedo transfer alternatives Arsenal can target if Edu can't secure deadline move
In a tweet posted on Sunday, I asked supporters who their preferred alternative would be should Caicedo, Amadou Onana and Martin Zubimendi all stay put, and there were four obvious favourites.
Declan Rice
Although he is said to be a primary target for the summer, some fans believe Arsenal should go all out for the England international now instead. Various reports have suggested that the current Premier League leaders are favourites to win the race for the 24-year-old, who has no intention of extending his contract at the London Stadium.
With Arsenal willing to spend at least £70million on Caicedo, you’d think they would be open to paying more for an established player like Rice, but the chances of West Ham agreeing to a move this month remain extremely slim.
Franck Kessie
A combination of Barcelona’s financial struggles and a lack of starts for Franck Kessie has seen the Ivorian emerge as a potential loan option for several clubs this winter, though club president Joan Laporta has said that he has no intention of letting him go.
Kessie is said to have been on Arsenal’s radar prior to his move to Spain in the summer following a number of impressive performances at AC Milan. The 26-year-old’s experience, quality and box-to-box style of play would have certainly come in handy for when Partey or Xhaka are not in the side, but again, a move looks unlikely for now.
Youri Tielemans
Perhaps the most obvious and realistic alternative for Arsenal, although is he really the answer to the current midfield dilemma? There is no denying his ability going forward, but the injury to Elneny means a more defensive-minded option is required.
football.london understands interest has cooled in the Belgian over the past few months, though a deal could be revisited should he become available for free in the summer.
Sander Berge
A good shout by the Arsenal fans and someone I mentioned as a possible Plan B a few days ago. Since arriving at Sheffield United for a club record £22million in 2020, Berge has made 87 appearances, scoring 12 goals and registering nine assists in the process.
Earlier in his career, Berge also made 17 Champions League and Europa League appearances combined, handing him valuable experience should he return to a club with European football. An added bonus is his connection to assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg and club captain Martin Odegaard, both of whom know him well.
Should Arsenal make a move for Berge, however, they will likely face competition. Reports suggest Newcastle United and Fulham are in talks to sign the 24-year-old, complicating any potential deal.
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