Arsenal are considering signing a midfielder who is approaching the final days of the transfer window after Mohamed Elneny suffered a major injury in the victory over Fulham.
The Gunners were already looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park around the window, but so far they chose to prioritize other areas of the team.
However, the need for a midfielder has increased in recent days, as it remains unknown how long Elneny will be out and Thomas Partey also suffers a knockout.
Injuries leave Arsenal with only Granit Xhaka and Albert Lukunga as goalkeeper midfielder, and the club may have to adjust transfer plans accordingly.
The striker is believed to be topping Mikel Arteta’s shopping list as deadline day approaches, and Arsenal are considering a move to Shakhtar’s Mykhalo Mudryk after Wolves told him priority target Pedro Neto is not for sale.
Arsenal manager Edu Gaspar previously stated that the club will only make financially reasonable deals for players who improve the squad in the long-term, meaning they are unlikely to go for a short-term fix.
Arsenal operate under strict restrictions, spending upwards of £100m this summer and it will be difficult for the club to sign a winger and lineman.
Which midfielders could Arsenal target to replace Elneny?
Arsenal have finally managed to make the move to Yuri Tillmans, having been closely linked with the Leicester midfielder since January.
The Belgian is unlikely to sign an extension to his contract that expires next summer, and Leicester have reportedly lowered the asking price to £38m.
While Tielemans is more of a creative midfielder than a defensive player, his profile fits Arsenal’s plan to sign players who have already spotted rather than change their goals.
Arsenal have also reportedly inquired about Palmeiras defensive midfielder Danilo and it is believed the Brazilian side want around €25m for the 21-year-old.
Elneny takes one for the team. He knew we needed a midfielder, so he sacrificed himself to force the club to buy a new midfielder. Thank you, Mohamed. You definitely love this club. The myth of rapid recovery.
WellBeast August 30 2022
Florian Gretsch would be an affordable target, as the Austrian was available on a free shuttle after leaving Hoffenheim this summer.
Seko Fofana of Lens and Leandro Paredes of PSG are also potential options, but the club is likely to move to Danilo or Tielemans, given their long-standing interest in the duo.
Whether the Gunners will save more money to sign both Modric and the midfielder, it looks like Elni’s injury could end with major repercussions for Arsenal.
