There are a lot of reasons as to why Arsenal are at the top of the Premier League. But perhaps the most striking aspect is that of the midfield. While there hasn’t exactly been a revolution in this area, something has happened over the course of the past year. The trio of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard have created the perfect blend of physicality and technique.
But there are certain considerations to be made with this part of the squad and we will get into those reasons. One has to do with the age of both Xhaka and Parteya as the duo will soon be on the wrong side of 30. So, there is a need to refresh the squad with some talent but at the same time, it should not disrupt the balance of what is already present.
The Fitness Of Partey
It has been proven over the last couple of seasons that there are a few midfielders who are able to do what the Ghana international can. But if there is one aspect that might worry Mikel Arteta and others at the club is the player’s fitness record. While things have been better this season, an injury could wreck the club’s quest for the Premier League title.
Perhaps it is this reason that has made the club chase Moises Caicedo of Brighton and Hove Albion. The Ecuadorian has a lot of qualities that are similar to Partey and at a young age, his potential is a huge bonus. Though the club might have to part with a potentially club record fee, in the long-term it will be worth it.
Another factor at play is the injury to Mohamed Elneny that has made the north Londoners act sooner than they might have wanted to. We do not know if Caicedo will move to the Emirates, but it is clear that the Gunners are looking into the future. That is an encouraging sign for the fans who have seen the club be inactive for far too long.
Granit Xhaka The Enigma
The Swiss maestro is one player that divides opinion like no other but that has changed for the better this season. Aided by faith from Arteta, the midfielder has almost reinvented his role and endeared himself to the fans that once seemed impossible. To be honest, it is a surprise that Xhaka is still at the Emirates, but he is one of the team’s most important players now.
If there is one way to upgrade on this position, it is in the club’s rumoured interest in Declan Rice. The West Ham United midfielder has the exact qualities that Arteta demands from a player in this position. Rice is able to combine technical mastery with physical prowess that is perfect for the league. Now, there is a long time before this potential signing takes place but it once again shows the club having an idea for the future.
Xhaka has been able to find a connection with the fans again and that just shows what will happen when a coach and player are in harmony. Yet there are certain limitations that the Swiss international has. For all his good qualities, he cannot really glide past two or three players to unlock a defence. Whereas on the other hand, Rice has shown that he has these skills in his locker. The Englishman is the kind who can excite fans and further increase the demand for Arsenal tickets. If you are looking for some, head to the right source to get your fix.
The Future?
One name that we should start hearing more of is Charlie Patino. The midfielder is currently on loan at Blackpool where he has impressed in the exact role that Partey plays. Spending a season in the Championship will help aid in the physical development. The role of the ‘6’ in midfield is one of the most important and difficult to successfully pull off.
What the Gunners are trying to do with Caicedo, Rice and Patino is create players who are comfortable playing as the ‘6’ or as the ‘8’. They are two different positions but having players who are versatile enough to do both is a boon for any club. Now is not the time to think about transfer fees and whether there is value for money to be found.
The transfer market has become warped due to the spending habits of certain clubs. Those who are selling their prized assets cannot be blamed for asking a premium fee. If you want to compete with the best, you need to put the money on the table. While that may not be what the club wants to do, sometimes it is better to take the initiative to achieve success.
The Present
It is important to talk about the future but it is important to look at what is happening in the present. There is a league title to be won and for that, you need a squad that has enough depth. In the case of Manchester City, even if Rodri gets injured, they have Kalvin Philips waiting in the wings. The pursuit of Caicedo shows that the north Londoners are learning from their mistakes and looking to improve themselves.
So, that brings us to the central question that will surely be on the minds of Arteta, Edu and the others at the club. How much are you willing to part with to ensure that the club is able to secure the league. It is all about taking a risk and if those at the Emirates are willing to do that, then they should follow through. There is no point in being hesitant now and having that tinge of regret later on.
It is good that the manager and the rest of the hierarchy have placed their faith in these players. But to move to the next level, the addition of certain players is a must. It is what an elite club such as Arsenal has to do. And by targeting players who have the right profile, the signs are promising going ahead. A lot of what the Gunners are able to do in the next few years will be determined by what they do by the 31st as well as in the summer.
Conclusion
It has to be said that there are no apparent problems in the Arsenal midfield apart from the injury to Elneny and the inability of Albert Sambi Lokonga to replicate what Partey does. So, the club has decided to look elsewhere so that they can bolster the squad and in a way, upgrade it. This news should be looked at with a lot of joy from the fans who have constantly seen other clubs sign the best and brightest talent out there.
For the north Londoners, this is a chance to show that they are back where they belong. While it might seem that the squad could get imbalanced, Arteta has shown that he is capable of getting the best out his players. Arsenal need not worry about what could happen and should instead focus on what has to be done. These are exciting times at the Emirates and a few right moves will ensure that the team is fighting at the top for many seasons to come.
