With 24 points from 20 games it’s fair to say that Arsenal have struggled this season. The squad is in need of a major overhaul, but unfortunately, that won’t be possible until the end of the season.
For now, Mikel Arteta can look to bolster a few areas of his squad – particularly his side’s midfield and defence considering how easy it has been for teams to break into Arsenal‘s 18-yard-area this season.
Arsenal at the moment are in need of a new centre-back, a new defensive midfielder and a new attacking midfielder – here’s a look at the players they could sign to fill those roles in January:
Centre-Back
The likes of Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sokratis have been unreliable this season.
All three players have struggled to make significant contributions to Arsenal‘s defence, to a point where Arteta should be looking towards a complete defensive overhaul once the summer transfer window opens up.
For now, though, the Gunners are unlikely to be able to bring in multiple defenders due to budget restrictions and player availability.
Arsenal are currently linked with RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano and Barcelona‘s Samuel Umtiti. The Leipzig man appears to be a more viable option for the Gunners due to a combination of his age and ability, especially considering Umtiti’s history of injury problems.
Upamecano would reportedly cost Arsenal a £40m fee, but considering the current state of Arsenal‘s defence, it’s a fee worth paying.
Despite being just 21, Upamecano boasts incredible composure which allows him to come out on top in 1 v 1 situations against some of the best players in the Bundesliga.
He’d be an excellent addition to Arsenal‘s squad, not just because of his potential, but because of the defensive stability he can offer the team going into the second half of the season.
Video Courtesy of Julianesque
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Midfield
Arsenal‘s midfield set-up has been just as bad as their defence this season. The Gunners’ have struggled to control the flow of games against ‘much weaker’ sides which is why they find themselves sitting in the bottom half of the table.
They’re in dire need of at least two midfielders – ideally one holding midfielder and an attack-minded midfield player.
Arsenal currently have a ton of midfielders under their radar, but they’d do well to consider moves for Wilfried Ndidi and Mikel Oyarzabal, both of whom possess skillsets that Arsenal are in need of.
Ndidi has proven to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League this season. No player has made more tackles (82) than the Nigeria international this season.
He’s done a great job of serving as somewhat of a 5th defender for Leicester as he provides the team’s back four with great defensive cover.
Ndidi would be a great signing for Arsenal. His Premier League experience would allow him to slot right into Arteta’s squad going into the second half of the season.
Real Sociedad‘s Mikel Oyarzabal would be the best creative midfielder for Arsenal to sign in January. The 22-year-old draws parallels with Manchester City‘s David Silva as he possesses mesmerising ball control and a rare ability to create something out of nothing.
The Spaniard would be an excellent replacement for ageing Mesut Ozil who’s influence at Arsenal has waned over the past few seasons.
Video Courtesy of Gustavo Films
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