Olympique Lyonnais midfielder could well move to Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal have been boosted by the news that Olympique Lyonnais anchor midfielder Maxime Gonalons has hinted at a move this summer.
“If I have to go, it would be abroad,” Gonalons told Spanish newspaper Fichajes:
“I like the English and the German leagues. They are awesome.
“When I see the pitch and that type of game, I feel it’s a dream.”
Intriguingly Gonalons has been fighting for a place in the France international team with fellow Arsenal target Etienne Capoue, who currently plays for Toulouse.
Gonalons has 6 French caps to Capoue’s 5, though Capoue has played more frequently recently for Les Bleus.
Both share many of the same attributes.
Each is 6’2″ and a great physical presence in front of the defence – able to close down players at speed and retrieve the ball through firm but fair tackling.
If Arsenal sign either Gonalons or Capoue, it could be an immense turning point for the team.
Arguably the biggest problem for the Gunners is not their defence or goalkeeper, but the lack of protection from midfield to either.
Arsene Wenger hasn’t had a true destroyer in the middle of the park since the days of Gilberto Silva and Mathieu Flamini, with even Alex Song seemingly more walkabout playmaker than defensively sound anchor man.
A top quality defensive midfielder could bring the best out of the likes of Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla.