The disaster at Tottenham at the weekend brought down the mood around Arsenal. However, it’s back to happiness and optimism now as Mikel Arteta’s men picked up all three points against the Premier League champions.
After the game, the Arsenal boss was adamant that his side needed reinforcements this summer, and there is no doubt that his statement was directed at Stan Kroenke and the board. (Read here)
The Gunners need money to sign top players who will help them compete with the best teams in the league. If reports are true, Arteta already has a wishlist ready and his midfield reinforcements alone could cost almost £70 million.
Arteta’s midfield dream
Spanish outlet La Razon believe that Arteta wants not one, but two midfielders this summer. Interest in Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey has been reported for a while now and he is someone who is allegedly top of the Arsenal boss’ wish list.
The other midfielder who Arteta really wants is Espanyol’s Marc Roca. The Spaniard, who has a £36 million release clause, is said to be available for a fee between £18 million and £22 million this summer thanks to his side’s relegation.
Partey has a £45 million release clause and it has been reported by many that Atletico Madrid will not let him leave for a fee below that. That could push Arsenal’s midfield expenditure to £67 million this summer, which is massive considering the current financial climate.
The report calls it ‘Arteta’s dream’ to pair the two La Liga stars in Arsenal’s midfield next summer. That brings major question marks over the futures of the Gunners’ current midfielders if Kroenke and co decide to fulfil their manager’s wishes.
Arsenal will have to let go of one or two midfielders
Granit Xhaka’s future should be safe considering how well he has played. Arteta could switch to a 4-3-3, like Manchester City, with Partey and the Swiss star on either side of Roca.
Matteo Guendouzi has one foot out the door already while Lucas Torreira, as he has been this season, is likely to remain as a backup unless he chooses to leave this summer.
The big decision Arteta has to make is with respect to Dani Ceballos. The Spaniard has been one of Arsenal’s best players under Arteta this year, and it is believed that the Gunners boss would be open to making his loan move permanent. (Marca)
However, there is no way the board will sanction close to £100 million just for Arsenal’s midfield. That could mean that Ceballos could be allowed to leave the club, with Arteta’s ‘dream’ midfield duo becoming a priority.
That would be a shame considering how well Ceballos has done since the turn of the year. However, if Arteta really believes that Partey and Roca will change Arsenal’s midfield, he should go for them.
Whether the board will give him the £67 million that he will need is a whole different story.
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