Arsenal’s midfield woes laid bare
Arsenal’s midfield woes were laid bare in their most recent FA Cup outing, a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the third round of the competition.
The Gunners, chronically short in midfield already, lost Granit Xhaka through a positive COVID-19 test, with the Swiss midfielder joining Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny (Both at AFCON) in being unavailable.
This meant that Mikel Arteta was forced to field summer signing Sambi Lokonga alongside debutant Charlie Patino against the high flying midlands outfit, and they were certainly punished for it.
📝 Here’s how we line up in the @EmiratesFACup…
◾️ Leno starts in goal
◾️ Lokonga x Patino in midfield
◾️ Nketiah leads the line— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 9, 2022
So, with a midfielder a necessity this window, where do Arsenal stand?
One in, one out?
First, news of interest in a potential exit in the form of Mohamed Elneny.
The Egyptian midfielder hasn’t seen a great deal off action so far under Arteta, and could be set to leave this month with his contract due to expire in six months.
As per Mark Mann-Bryans, there is “concrete interest” in the midfielder from Turkey.
Concrete interest in Mohamed Elneny from Turkey.
Any deal is in flux though given Arsenal midfield issues.
It is likely they will look to bring someone in before allowing any other options to follow Ainsley Maitland-Niles out of the exit…
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) January 11, 2022
However, they will reportedly look to bring another man in before letting him go.
And that man could be Gini Wijnaldum.
The PSG and former Liverpool star has struggled at the Parc des Princes this season, but is a player with bags of Premier League experience that could help ensure a top 4 finish this campaign.
And now, Arsenal have reportedly “accelerated” their interest in the Dutchman, ahead of a potential loan move.
Arsenal have ‘accelerated’ their interest in PSG midfielder Gini Wijnaldum, with a loan move being rumoured [Source: Fichajes]. #AFC https://t.co/hoKcsnMpy5
— Jason Soutar (@jbsoutar) January 10, 2022
Could we see him in Arsenal Red come the end of the transfer window?
