A look at Arsenal’s six main transfer targets for that problem position of defensive midfield, with Real Madrid contract rebel Sami Khedira up against two Southampton stars.
SEE ALSO:
Kondogbia Arsenal – Gunners eye £20m Monaco star
Hernandez Goal v Atletico – (Video) Man Utd ace sends Real through!
Get Arsenal goal videos with our FREE Sports video app!
From worst to best, here’s a look at who Arsenal could and should sign to plug that midfield gap this summer…
6) Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen)
Linked several times with a move to Arsenal, Lars Bender is a slightly questionable transfer target given his overall form for Bayer Leverkusen. The German international is not quite in the same class as some of the other names on this list, or else would surely have been snapped up by a European giant long ago.
5) Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Another risky buy, Ilkay Gundogan has certainly shown his class for Borussia Dortmund, but has had his problems with injury throughout the years. Still, with a good range of skills as a deep-lying playmaker with the ability to do his bit defensively, Arsenal could clearly do worse.
4) Geoffrey Kondogbia (AS Monaco)
A midfielder who ran the show when AS Monaco met Arsenal in the Champions League this season, Geoffrey Kondogbia looks an outstanding talent and, at the age of 22, still has his best years ahead of him. Certainly a bargain if he is allowed to move for just £20m.
3) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
One of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season, Morgan Schneiderlin has long been linked with a move from Southampton to Arsenal and looks the real deal. His loyalty could perhaps be questioned as he tried to engineer an exit from the club last summer – something Arsenal fans won’t want to be worried about if Real Madrid or Barcelona later come calling…
2) Victor Wanyama (Southampton)
Arguably the superior player in Southampton’s midfield, Victor Wanyama has also been linked with Arsenal in recent times and is a more long-term option than the slightly older Schneiderlin. Combining power and skill, the Kenyan international looks the best realistic heir to Patrick Vieira for the Gunners.
Given he’s set to be availble on a free transfer after running down his contract at Real Madrid, Sami Khedira is probably the best option for Arsenal this summer, bringing quality, experience and energy to a team that has often lacked that in the midfield department.