Arsenal could now reportedly change transfer plans in the final days of the window to sign a midfielder with Mohamed Elneny set for a lengthy spell out on the sideline through injury.
According to the Athletic, the Gunners could look to sign a central midfielder to provide cover for the 30-year-old Egyptian international after Elneny picked up an injury in Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Fulham on the weekend, with Thomas Partey also out on the treatment table.
The north London side now only have two midfield options in Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga, with Oleksandr Zinchenko also capable of playing in the middle of the park, yet with Arsenal already looking to sign a long-term backup for Partey, Elneny’s injury could accelerate these plans.
Arsenal were originally looking to sign a wide-attacker before the closure of the transfer window, with Wolves’ Pedro Neto reportedly on the Gunners’ radar, however, this move will now likely have to be shelved in order to bring in a new central midfielder to provide cover for Elneny and Partey.
One of Arsenal’s lowest earners at a reported £50,000-a-week, replacing Elneny could be a tough task for Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar given how little time there is left in the window and the club’s need for a wide-attacker, yet this latest injury bombshell could seemingly give the north London side with no other option this summer.
Indeed, whilst there is a chance that Lokonga could thrive in the no. 6 role Elneny and Partey usually operate in for Arsenal, depth is still an issue should the Belgian international also pick up an injury, and the Gunners will need to act smart and fast if they’re to find a replacement.
Arsenal have to sign a midfielder that fits Arteta’s philosophy
Arsenal have had a great window so far with the additions of Gabriel Jesus and the aforementioned Zinchenko, yet with this latest issue, Arteta will have to be smart in which midfielder he signs in the final days of the window, with the Gunners running the risk of bringing someone in who doesn’t fit the club’s new philosophy at all.
After all, we’ve seen the north London side make moves for players who never adapted to what the club wanted and for these transfers to end in disaster, and with Arsenal looking to make an emergency midfield signing, Arteta and Edu must be smart in their next steps.
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