Craig Burley has backed the idea of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal securing the transfer of Franck Kessie from Barcelona during the January transfer window, as he told ESPN.
The Ivory Coast midfielder is a transfer target of Premier League teams this month, with Antonio Conte keen to bring him to Tottenham, whilst Unai Emery wants the all-action star at Aston Villa.
There is every chance this could happen because Kessie has started only six games in all competitions for Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona this season – that’s following his summer transfer from Serie A champions AC Milan.
For Arsenal, they aren’t in need of a midfielder like they are a forward because Thomas Partey is fit and healthy.
The fear is that if the Ghana star does suffer the same fate as Gabriel Jesus, then it will leave a big hole in Arsenal’s midfield and many feel there isn’t suitable cover.
Therefore, players like Kessie are being suggested and Burley backed that possible transfer this month.
“Again, he was surplus for Barcelona (left on the bench against Espanyol),” said Burley. “Would they get him on loan? It would be terrific cover. But does he want to go from being cover at Barcelona to cover at Arsenal?”
SEASON-DEFINING CALLS DURING THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW
Last January, when Arsenal were chasing Champions League football, Arteta and Co. opted against bringing in a fresh face in the forward line, despite booting out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Those same big calls await them during these coming weeks, and if they get it right, then it could be well and truly game-changing.
At the start of the season, the task was simple. Can Champions League football be secured?
Well, those at the Emirates are now dreaming of much bigger prizes and why not when you are sitting seven points clear of the current champions, Manchester City?!
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