Gunners want a holding midfielder this summer…
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Respected BBC journalist David Ornstein has claimed that despite pulling out of the race for Sami Khedira, Arsenal will still try to buy a new holding midfielder this summer.
Here’s ten they should be considering instead…
10) Lars Bender – Bayer Leverkusen
Industrious, and hard-working, Bender would have been part of Germany’s World CUp winning squad if he’d been fit this summer. Fits the bill perfectly, and is still only 25-years-old.
9) Sven Bender – Borussia Dortmund
Equally, Arsenal should think about signing Lars’ twin brother Sven – who’s been an integral part of Dortmund’s successful sides in recent seasons.
8) Morgan Schneiderlin – Southampton
The Frenchman apparently prefers a move to Tottenham, but would provide the energy and work-rate the Arsenal midfield so badly needs.
7) Arturo Vidal – Juventus
Vidal is more offensive than others on this list, but his tackling and interceptions mean he could perform a superb job at the base of midfield, and the fact Arsenal have signed his compatriot Alexis Sanchez could tempt him to join.
6) Alex Song – Barcelona
The former Gunner is available, after becoming surplus to requirements at Barcelona.
5) Asier Illarramendi – Real Madrid
The young Spaniard will struggle badly for game time at the Bernabeu, with Xabi Alonso, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric all demanding a starting spot – and Arsenal could offer him it.
4) Jack Rodwell – Manchester City
The Englishman is very talented, but hasn’t been given the opportunity to show it at the Etihad. Arsenal could offer him a chance to prove himself, much like Liverpool did when they signed Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea.
3) Andrea Pirlo – Juventus
Still oozes class despite his age, there’s doubts surrounding his Juventus future after Allegri took charge. He perhaps lack the physicality and work-rate Arsenal really need right now though.
2) Blaise Matuidi – PSG
The French battler provides exactly what Arsenal need – energy, physicality and positional discipline. If PSG move for Koke or Paul Pogba, he could become available.
1) William Carvalho – Sporting Lisbon
Arsenal have been linked with a £24m for the Portuguese powerhouse, who’s previously been mooted as a prime target for Man United. He can play either deep, or as a box-to-box midfielder.
