Arsenal still seem to be on the hunt for a midfielder in the January transfer window, having been linked with numerous players in this position. However, the Gunners are not the only club linked to options in the middle of the park.
Youri Tielemans seemed to be the Gunners' main transfer option. The Belgian is available to be signed on a free transfer in the summer, but he could also be signed on a cut-price deal in January, due to his ongoing contract situation with his current deal expiring in 2023.
However, Barcelona have potentially given Arsenal the perfect access to Franck Kessie as an alternative, who could be available on a transfer. And, surprisingly to Arsenal’s benefit, Tottenham have helped to reveal a bargain price for the Ivorian.
READ MORE: Arsenal's Mykhaylo Mudryk reality gives Edu a chance at ideal £31m transfer steal
According to Spanish news outlet Onda Cero, Tottenham have made an offer of £13million for Kessie. Arsenal have previously been linked with the midfielder in the past.
Spanish news outlet Fichajes reported two months ago that Kessie is not happy with his lack of first-team football at Barcelona and would be open to a move. The Ivorian international left AC Milan in the summer to then join Barcelona on a free transfer.
This gives Arsenal an excellent opportunity to pounce on Kessie's situation and sign him in the next transfer window. The Gunners had been linked with a move for the midfielder earlier last season.
The Mirror claimed that Arsenal, along with Manchester United and Spurs, were interested in securing the Ivorian's services. Kessie is still only 24 years old but has the necessary Champions League experience and has been a Serie A regular for over five seasons.
Thomas Partey has been excellent for Arsenal in the early weeks of this season and is a crucial piece of Mikel Arteta’s midfield jigsaw. This has been epitomised by the influence of the 29-year-old when he is included in the starting line-up
Arsenal’s likelihood to win a game increases by a large margin when he is playing compared to when he is absent from kick-off. Since his arrival in 2020, he has been an automatic starter under Arteta.
However, his consistent injury issues permit Arsenal from being able to rely on the midfielder. Albert Sambi Lokonga has had numerous attempts to impress in the absence of Partey, but has consistently shown that he cannot impact the midfield the same way Partey does.
Edu must look to sign more midfield reinforcements. Xhaka and Partey are two players whose place in the team are currently untouchable. Kessie would certainly be able to bridge this gap. If his discontent continues at Barcelona, then it is a situation that Edu must look to explore and ensure competition does not beat the Gunners.
It is not just Tottenham who are reportedly looking to sign the winger as Italian news outlet Calciomercato has reported that Inter Milan are considering a move to sign Kessie. This move would certainly cause a lot of chaos when you take into consideration that Kessie was a player for Inter’s arch-rivals in AC Milan just last season.
It is no surprise that Kessie has a lot of suitors with his seemingly low price tag. If Arsenal are to complete a deal, Edu must be aggressive in his approach.
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