There’s no doubt that Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have a decent understanding and I’d go as far as to say that the mere presence of the Ghanaian lifts Xhaka’s performance by at least three levels, but having said that, the Swiss is still behind the curve. If you were looking to upgrade in that area to make a fantastic midfield pairing, then look no further than fellow Swiss dynamo Denis Zakaria (24), who currently plays for Borussia Monchengladbach.
Previously in 2019, Denis Zakaria was scouted by Arsenal and heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates. Arsenal’s representatives even made contact with the player’s entourage but the move failed. However, with only a year left on his present contract, this might be the perfect time to secure his services.
This guy has the potential to make the Arsenal midfield something special and add a playmaker to the scenario and the Gunners can start thinking about a top four or higher, seriously! Watching Denis Zakaria and thinking of the potential pairing with Partey is a mouth-watering exercise. He moves quickly upfield with the ball almost stuck to his toe, he’s agile with great balance and will cut through the heart of midfield within seconds at a gallop.
He shows great desire, appetite, and purpose and is also physically difficult to dispossess, which would make him an asset to the Gunners in the cut and thrust of the Premier League. At 189 meters or 6ft 2in, Denis Zakaria is a presence in both attack and defence and Arsenal could always use a talk guy at both ends, although it’s the midfielders’ feet that are the main asset.
He’s known for breaking up play and getting a foot in but it’s also his pace that is so attractive, once he hits his stride, he is something to behold, storming over twenty to thirty yards with ease which often puts the opposition in panic mode.
Denis Zakaria is also intelligent, with great vision, technical ability, and quick feet that allow him to baffle opponents but it’s also about positioning. From the moment he picks the ball up or receives it, he swivels himself to burst forward and moves swiftly from the hips.
He’s no slouch in defence either, with great positional awareness and the ability to cut out space and apply the key tackle. With Partey alongside him and a recognised creative and attacking midfielder ahead, this would be an immensely exciting appointment. The guy is a genuine class with a valuation of €32m, as per Transfermarkt.
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On the subject of summer transfers, I don’t believe Arteta has too many concerns in defence because he has Saliba and Mavropanos to put alongside Gabriel, it’s just the right-back issue and whether Bellerin stays or goes.
If he were to leave in the summer, Arteta needs three signings and I’d go as far as saying that they should be Tariq Lamptey (Brighton), Denis Zakaria, and Martin Odegaard. Wow, it would be exciting to see this trio playing alongside the likes of Saka, Aubameyang, Martinelli, Lacazette, and ESR.
