The Need for a Midfielder in this Transfer Window

Arsenal did good business at the start of the season with the addition of defensive reinforcements, including a new goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale. One area that needed addition was in midfield. They did acquire the services of Sambi Lokonga, but he is considered more for the future than now.

The African Cup of Nations and suspension of Granit Xhaka after is red card again Liverpool exposed this shortage and Atreta had to play Charlie Patino against Nottingham Forest and others to fill the gap. The return of Partey does not reduce the need for a quality, experienced midfielder.

The club has been after Arthur from Juventus for a number of weeks now, but the deal is proving difficult because the demands of Juventus, who are demanding an 18 months deal with an obligation to buy. Arsenal resistance to this deal suggests they have identified other options that will only be available in the summer. Arthur is a quality midfielder and will no doubt do well in the Premier League. Juventus reluctance to sanction the deal, with the deadline a few days away, suggests this deal is unlikely to happen.

A player that the club should be targeting is Georginio Wijnaldum. PSG have made him available for signing and there have been several articles with the player confessing that he is an Arsenal player. Further Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed that the 31-year-old Netherlands international would like to join us. I am surprised that the club is not considering this as an option.

Comparing both players and the fact our need is temporary, surely Georginio Wijnaldum should be the preferred option. He has Premier League and was part of the Liverpool midfield that won the Premier League. Arthur is a good midfielder, but he may take time to settle into the intensity of the Premier League, time that the club haven’t got, with the race for 4^th place so close.

The club needs to act and quickly. This could be the difference between 4^th place and a place in the Champions League, or 5^th or 6th and the Europa League.