Arsenal’s need for a central midfielder has been evident since previous summer transfer window. Despite signing Albert Sambi Lokonga in that position, a player with more pedigree needed to be brought in.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are two players whose place in the team are currently beyond question. Lokonga and Mohammed Elneny are the two back-up players, but their levels in terms of experience and quality do not compare with the two starters.
It seemed last year that the Gunners had targeted Bruno Guimaraes to bridge this gap and be crucial to Mikel Arteta’s rebuild. However, the recent transfer activity in the current summer transfer window highlights why missing out on the signature of the Brazilian is a blessing in disguise.
