Desperate times call for desperate measures and Mikel Arteta is only too aware of what Arsenal need to bring fire into the heart of their midfield. They already have the sublime talent of Thomas Partey, the inspirational Emile Smith Rowe, and the promise of Miguel Azeez, who is surely due for his promotion to the first team but Arsenal also need someone who can grab a game by the scruff of the neck and take the side to the next level.
Emi Buendia has been identified as one such player but Arsenal were told that nothing would happen until the season had been concluded. Do they push for Martin Odegaard who isn’t the forceful and dominating type of character, although he is a Devine baller, or do they look further afield for the missing link?
We won’t know until the summer and there’s an abundance of players capable of filling the required midfield role at Arsenal, but Arteta knows that until he has that type of player that can combine attack and defence with ease, he will be unable to make this team progress at the speed he would like.
Assurances from the boardroom of support are fine, but if it’s not backed up with hard cash, then Arsenal have no way back into the top six or top four. One can only hope that this inconsistent season has provided enough evidence that Arsenal are short by up to six players, three could come from the academy but they need a tried and trusted lieutenant in the midfield, who spits lightning and shits thunder when the going gets tough.
They need someone with drive and technical ability, who possesses an eye for the quick route to goal but they won’t pick anyone up for a penny less than £40m plus, that’s a fact. If they get anyone under that figure, then they could find themselves out of pocket and luck. How much longer can Arsenal hold off from spending money they can’t afford? Not long if they want to keep a toe in the European money pit.
Another piece of the puzzle is Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma who is knee-deep in praise for his recent performances and although more of a holding midfielder, he does get forward regularly. Gary Lineker referred to him as “Exceptional” whilst Adrian Durham (Talksport) said:
“He gets into every single team. He even gets into Man City’s team, and I appreciate they’ve got Fernandinho but he’s better than Rodri. He would get into Manchester City’s team. He’s exactly what Man United need.”
✅ “He gets into every single #PL team!”
“He’s exactly what #MUFC need. I saw him at Spurs, & he’s got better & better since.”
Adrian Durham has some high praise for #BHAFC midfielder, Yves Bissouma. 🔥
He’s an even bigger fan of his song.. 👀 pic.twitter.com/b0HcBwc5UK
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 13, 2021
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There’s no doubt Arsenal need someone of that class with that level of talent in midfield but there are shortfalls in other areas which will complicate the process, with the priority being left and right-backs plus a creative midfielder. Arsenal should be picking up the phone but they may already be in a queue for the £15.3m Brighton star.
That price will certainly climb because he’s going to be almost impossible to replace for a Brighton side that fights for survival every season. The summer can’t come quickly enough and fans keen to ring the changes at the Emirates.
