ISTANBUL - Ryan Gravenberch of Holland during the World Cup qualifying match between Turkey and the Netherlands at Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium on March 24, 2021 in Istanbul, Turkey. ANP MAURICE VAN STEEN (Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)

ISTANBUL - Ryan Gravenberch of Holland during the World Cup qualifying match between Turkey and the Netherlands at Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium on March 24, 2021 in Istanbul, Turkey. ANP MAURICE VAN STEEN (Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)

Arsenal News

7 Arsenal midfield transfer targets to watch during international break

by Ross Kennerley
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Arsenal, Ryan Gravenberch

7 Arsenal midfield transfer targets to watch during international break as Mikel Arteta eyes reinforcements in the summer transfer window. ANP MAURICE VAN STEEN (Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)

Arsenal have a weak midfield. A very weak midfield. Take Granit Xhaka – who himself has question marks – and Thomas Partey out of the equation and it’s spectacularly bad. Mikel Arteta will know this.

The aforementioned duo are beginning to strike up an understanding in that area of the pitch, one that while not telepathic or solid just yet, has shown the inner workings of a balanced pair that bring the better qualities out of each other and numb the less desirable characteristics.

But again, take them two out and the situation is dire.

Mohamed Elneny has proven himself to be a valuable asset when the occasion calls for a thunderbastard, but apart from the occasional long-range goal his skillset is supremely limited, and in terms of overall quality he is lacking. He can come in and do a job 10-15 times a season for matches where key figures need a rest, though, sure.

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7 Arsenal midfield transfer targets to watch during international break as Mikel Arteta eyes reinforcements

Dani Ceballos is an infuriating midfielder, one capable of turning on the style for five minutes then letting his focus slip for the remaining 85. There is ability in those feet, it’s just often left as a mirage while he tries an overambitious piece of skill or hospital pass across the face.

Joe Willock does have the potential. He’s showing it at Newcastle. The issue is that it hasn’t transferred onto the pitch regularly enough at Arsenalpr. In Europe he’s shown dashes of intelligence and movement, coupled with an immense physical engine, and the door isn’t fully closed on him yet even if a sale wouldn’t be surprising this summer.

Further forward, the Martin Odegaard dilemma remains.

It’s not so much a dilemma as signing him is widely accepted as vital come the end of the season, only that realistically Arsenal could be out-priced with the ball firmly in Real Madrid’s court.

Good thing the international break is upon us then, right? And, as ever, there are a plethora of midfield options – and others – worth observing during the break, some of whom already are Arsenal targets, while others should be. Here are seven.

Arsenal, Denis Zakaria

DUBLIN, IRELAND – SEPTEMBER 5: Denis Zakaria of Switzerland during the EURO Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland v Switzerland at the Dublin Arena on September 5, 2019 in Dublin Ireland (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Denis Zakaria – Borussia Monchengladbach & Switzerland

A wanted man. For good reason.

Denis Zakaria may not be having the best of seasons at Borussia Monchengladbach – because nobody is – with Marco Rose announcing his departure to Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season having a big impact on team performances.

As a midfield option, he’s among the best No. 6’s in Europe. Tasked with covering the spaces behind the forwards and breaking up play, from there he springs into life and gets moves going. Much like both Xhaka and Partey do for Arsenal, albeit primarily the Swiss, he also drops in between the central defenders so his side have multiple lanes of attack in front.

Zakaria does this so effectively but has another string to his bow that makes him truly standout; he’s a ball carrying No. 6; a belligerent brute with incredible physical presence and he’s remarkably quick considering his frame.

What’s better, he’s said to be available for a measly €20m, as per BILD. An absolute snip for the 24-year-old.

Next: Turkish delight

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