While many predict that Arsenal’s 2025 transfer menu will primarily focus on the striking and creative side of the attack, journalist James McNicholas suggests that Arsenal will also look to bolster their defensive midfield.
The Athletic columnist claims that the Arsenal decision-makers know their midfielder will need rejuvenation given Thomas Partey and Jorginho’s situations. The two experienced Gunners have their deals expiring next summer, and the club could use that opportunity to freshen up their engine room with a younger version of the duo.
McNicholas says: “There is an acknowledgement within the club that the midfield requires some rejuvenation. Jorginho & Partey are both due to run out of contract next summer, and Arsenal may look to freshen up their midfield with a more youthful addition.
Jorginho’s departure won’t surprise many; the team can manage without him. Indeed, the team is gradually transitioning without him.
However, after reading these comments about Arsenal’s anticipated transfer plans, I believe the main question most Gooners will be asking is whether the club will allow Partey, their most consistent midfielder so far this season, to leave.
As outstanding as the Ghana international has been, his form and availability has probably earned him a new deal, and allowing him to leave on a free transfer would be perplexing.
Either way, it’d make sense to sign another young top #6, like Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, to learn from him.
Intriguingly, recent reports suggest that Arsenal is interested in signing Wharton. Discussions have been held with Palace midfield prodigy’s entourage for a winter 2025 switch to the Emirates stadium. The Eagles reportedly are seeking a £54.1 million offer to let the Englishman go.
What do you think? Whichever that young #6 Arsenal sign this summer, would that mean Rice is now seen more as a central midfielder than a defensive midfielder?
Daniel O
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It would not surprise me at all. Although Rice, Merino and even MLS can play 6, I think they may bring in someone else. We all want a striker but that will only happen if Jesus can be sold.
Rice is a top DM but not a standout at CM, so why switch? Why not just go after a top CM to partner Odegaard?
Regardless, we need a striker. Whether it is a straight up goal scorer or more versatile to interchange with wingers is the question.
Either way Jesus must be replaced. He isn’t an adequate fill in for Havertz, and it’s time to move on from Jesus like City did.
But what happens if Jesus doesn’t want to leave?
Surely another midfielder has to be given the nod over a striker, in fact we do not have goals scoring issues.
School children in a Ukraine Bunker can tell you how toothless we have become in the absence of our midfield creative sparks
So yes it makes perfect ball sense
Hope Arteta learn a lesson in the absence of Odegard, it’s time to give Nwaneri & Kelly who are natural more game time to build their confidence to play in midfield. The alternative is to buy another creative midfielder.However, all this
won’t stop my emphasy that we still need a dominant prolific CF in the muold of VGyokeres, V Oosimehin or AIsak..
We also need a sign a deputy for Saka, I can’t bet he will stay fit throughout the season the signs are already there.
Baleba of Brighton is an exceptional box to box midfielder who is a cut above Wharton imo.Apart from his technical skills he has pace and power and would bring real athleticism to our midfield.Jorginho and Zinchenko are both intelligent players with good passing ability but they lack the legs and drive which is required at the highest level.
On the topic of midfielders, there is Morgan Rodgers from Villa and Liam Delap from Ipswich. Not sure if any of them is feasible but would be awesome addition(s)
I think people need to stop asking sully questions and remember. We have only ever won things with a striker (a top striker) and that includes Arteta. He sold both our strikers and got Jesus. Who was not and never will be a striker. If we win the league or CL this season without a recognised striker then, yes, prioritise a midfielder. But if we dont, then No, get a striker. Our midfield is stronger that our striking options.
Not sully, silly.