Five Underrated Midfield Players Arsenal can Target as Reinforcements

Matchoi Djalo, Arsenal midfield, Miralem Pjanic, Bernardo Silva Arsenal, Arsenal midfield reinforcements

Arsenal were in the hunt for a midfielder throughout the winter transfer window. Names like Arthur Melo, Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz were all linked with a move to North London, but an actual transfer failed to materialise. Along with a centre-forward signing, the midfield has been identified as a position where Arsenal need reinforcements.

Arsenal midfield reinforcements, Arteta, Edu — Image Obtained via The Evening Standard

Mohammed Elneny could possibly leave in the summer. Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga would be Arteta’s only options. The trio has a lot of good qualities required to function in Arteta’s midfield, but also come with their own constraints: be it age, on-field discipline, consistency, or experience.

Here we have shortlisted five long-term midfield reinforcements Arsenal could attempt to sign in the upcoming summer window:

1. Konrad Laimer (RB Leipzig):

After missing out a large chunk of last season to an injury, Laimer has returned to the line-up for the German side this season. The Austrian is one of the best pressers in the game. His tireless work rate and ability to cover ground effectively would be perfect for Arteta’s high-press system.

Arsenal midfield reinforcements, Konrad Laimer — Konrad Laimer 2021-22 Percentile Radar

On the ball, Laimer is more direct. He offers more in terms of end-product and progressions than in retaining possession. The 24-year-old is versatile and can play as a full-back or a wide midfielder too. Laimer will be a free agent in 2023, which gives Edu some bargaining power in negotiations.

2. Aurelien Tchouameni (AS Monaco)

From the Ligue 1, Monaco’s midfield maestro would be a superb addition to Arsenal’s ranks. Tchouameni is a ball-winning midfielder and is tidy in possession too. At just 22 years of age, the Frenchman has been linked to Manchester United and Juventus. His contract at Monaco runs until 2024. Tchouameni won’t come cheap, and the Gunners may have to pay up to €60 million for his services.

Arsenal midfield reinforcements, Aurelien Tchouameni — Aurelien Tchouameni 2021-22 Percentile Radar

3. Santi Comesana (Rayo Vallecano):

The Spaniard has largely been used in central midfield, but can also play in a defensive or attacking role. At 1.88 metres of height, the 25-year-old is an asset in defence and recovery of possession. He provides a useful outlet on the ball too, across all the phases of the field. Comesana has a contract until 2023 with Vallecano. Unlike Tchouameni, the Gunners should face mild competition in the race for the Spaniard’s signature.

Santiago Comesana 2021-22 Percentile Radar

4. Nicolas Dominguez (Bologna):

Dominguez offers a similar profile to Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. Currently at Bologna, the 23-year-old works hard on the ball and is a reliable figure in defence. The Argentine is relatively safe in possession and does not offer much in the final third. Dominguez has mostly been deployed in a double pivot, but can also work as a lone DM. His contract with Bologna runs until 2024.

5. Yves Bissouma (Brighton and Hove Albion):

Bissouma has been heavily linked with a move to several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal in the past. The 25-year-old is a free agent in 2023, and Arsenal could be tempted to meet Brighton’s fee to lure Bissouma to North London in the summer. The Malian has worked as a lone pivot or in a double pivot. Under Graham Potter, Bissouma has learnt his trade from arguably one of the best tacticians in the league.

Arsenal also have other options they can pursue. Mikel Merino, Florian Neuhaus, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz and Ruben Neves can all be considered as reinforcements for Arsenal to bring in. Arteta could also consider promoting a youngster like Salah M’hand from the U-23 side.

Whom would you like to see Arsenal sign for the midfield position? Let us know in the comments.