Over the past week, reports have claimed that the emergence of Francis Coquelin at the Emirates last season has led manager Arsene Wenger to believe that signing a holding midfielder this summer is not a necessity [via the Independent].
Nonetheless, while the 24-year-old is no doubt an exciting prospect in north London, his presence is still some way off competing with the likes of Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic or Manchester City’s Yaya Toure – both of whom have been key players for the sides that have claimed the Premier League title over the past three seasons.
What’s more, with Mikel Arteta heading towards the end of his career and still yet to recover from an injury that saw him sidelined for most of the previous campaign, the Gunners may need reinforcements in midfield.
It remains plain to see that – while Arsenal boast one of the most exciting attack in England’s top flight with Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey a major threat in and around the opposition’s box – their defence against the English and European heavyweights remains a significant concern.
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As such, we’ve taken a look at six midfielders Wenger should be considering ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
7. Yohan Cabaye – Paris Saint-Germain
The former Newcastle midfielder could be returning to the Premier League this summer following a rather miserable season and a half at the Parc des Princes – in which his playing time has been significantly limited, making just 21 Ligue 1 starts.
Nonetheless, the Frenchman established himself as one of the finest midfielders in England during his three years at St James’ Park, and he surely deserves to playing at a club with higher quality than heavily linked Crystal Palace – no offence Eagles fans.
At 29-years-old, Cabaye would certainly not be a long-term prospect, but with established Premier League experience and carrying a rumoured price-tag of £10m, as Mikel Arteta did when he moved to the Emirates in 2011, Cabaye could prove a valuable asset in the dressing-room as well on the pitch.
6. Ignacio Camacho – Malaga
The 25-year-old caught the eye last season – with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur having expressed interest earlier in the season – and his performances earned a call-up from Vicente del Bosque to Spain’s senior squad in November 2014.
While a defensive midfielder by trade, Camacho is also capable of playing at centre-back – which could come in mightily handy for Wenger given their lack of back-up to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
While one of the lesser known defensive-minded midfielders in Europe, his potential is certainly clear and the player himself may feel it is time he moved on from La Rosaleda.
5. Mario Suarez – Atletico Madrid
While the Atleti midfielder perhaps isn’t a name well-known across Europe, much of Diego Simeone’s sides growth in La Liga over the past few seasons is down to the solidity in the Argentine’s midfield – and Suarez’s influence in the centre of the park has been key.
The 28-year-old isn’t afraid to take responsibility on and off the ball, and has become a feared tackler in Spain’s top flight.
What could perhaps be key in his possible availability this summer is that his transfer fee may not likely be hefty – and with Wenger often uninterested in meeting sizeable price-tags, Suarez could be a steal.
4. Arturo Vidal – Juventus
Speculation has been rife that the Chile midfielder could be on his way to the Emirates this summer – with reports from Fichajes claiming that Arsenal are willing to offer £21.2m for his signature.
While the 28-year-old is typically now regarded as an attacking midfielder, perhaps his most impressive performances for Juve have come in a deeper role behind playmaker Andrea Pirlo – who certainly isn’t renown for his defensive capabilities.
The Chilean averaged 4.3 tackles per-game, and also played his part in attack – scoring 11 goals and assisting five in all competitions last season.
His versatility offensively and defensively, therefore, could make Vidal an ideal signing for Wenger’s style of play.
3. Lars Bender – Bayer Leverkusen
The Germany international has long been linked with a transfer to the Emirates, and the north London giants are said to be preparing an £18m offer [via the Independent].
The 26-year-old isn’t renown for his powerful demeanour in a holding midfield role, but he brings a calm and relentless attitude – similar to Nemanja Matic – which exudes a feeling of control in the centre of the park.
His stats in the Champions League are hugely impressive – with an average of 4.4 tackles per-game, 2.4 interceptions and 2.3 clearances – demonstrating his earned place among Europe’s elite.
While Bender may not play with the style that the Gunners are respected for, he does the ‘dirty work’ in midfield, and would certainly provide that much needed grit to Wenger’s midfield.
2. William Carvalho – Sporting Lisbon
Not only has the Portugal international’s quality been admired over the past season, but at the age of 23, Carvalho is perhaps the most exciting defensive midfielder in Europe at present.
The 23-year-old has been a long-term target for Arsene Wenger, and this summer could be the transfer window that the French manager makes a serious move for the player’s signature.
He made his Champions League debut in the 2014-15 campaign, and handled the pressure of playing on Europe’s elite stage expertly – averaging 2.2 tackles per-game with a pass success rate of 85.2%.
Despite Francis Coquelin’s excellent breakthrough campaign at the Emirates, the youngster is far from being the finished article, and while Carvalho also still has much to learn at the highest level, the pair could be the ideal partnership. With all the plaudits that Coquelin is receiving, Carvalho would help ease the pressure on the French midfielder’s shoulders.
1. Morgan Schneiderlin – Southampton
According to reports, Wenger has opted not to challenge Manchester United for the signature of the Saints midfielder, believing that his price-tag of £25m wouldn’t be a wise investment. Nonetheless, as with any piece of gossip in the press, and with the Red Devils having not confirmed any deal with the Frenchman, the Gunners are certainly not out of the chase for his signature.
Southampton were quite simply stunning last season – with their 8-0 demolition of Sunderland a major highlight – in a campaign where they threatened for a top four finish. Not bad considering the club sold the previous season’s star players Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers in the summer.
And Schneiderlin was at the heart of their success.
The 25-year-old averaged more tackles per-game, with 3.7, than the Blues’ Matic, 3.6, and boasted a pass success rate of 89.3%.
With fine experience in the Premier League, Schneiderlin could take little time to settle into his rhythm at the Emirates.
While Wenger may feel that £25m is a steep price; let’s face it – in today’s market and for a player at his peak – the Saints are well within their rights to demand such a figure.
