The £34 million solution to Arsenal’s midfield woes

Arsenal set for midfield issues

While Arsenal got plenty of business done in the summer, the midfield always had a threadbare look to it.

Thomas Partey, arguably the first name on the teamsheet, had struggled with injuries, leaving just Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny, new signing Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as reliable backups.

Granit Xhaka, who wasn’t expected to be available until 2022, has resumed light training just 41 days after being forced off against Spurs. pic.twitter.com/kJuqlXq7mO

— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) November 6, 2021

To make matters worse, the Africa Cup of Nations, due to take place in January 2022, means that both Partey and Elneny could be away for over a month should their sides progress through the competition, while Xhaka’s knee injury has ruled him out until the turn of the year.

It feels, therefore, like the Gunners are a midfielder light, and they could well look to address this in the January transfer window.

Mikel Arteta handed 34 million pound solution

In the notoriously difficult to get right January window, it always seems more sensible to pursue targets that require little negotiation and that have been scouted previously. With recent news, Arsenal may have been handed a 34 million pound solution to their midfield problem in the form of RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams.

As per various reports, the Gunners were interested in the 22-year-old American in the summer, albeit as a right-back, with Adams able to play both central midfield and on the right side of defence.

Arsenal interested in Tyler Adams transfer with 22-year-old RB Leipzig star having £32.25m release clause in contract https://t.co/okfEOpQyap

— The Sun – Arsenal (@SunArsenal) November 11, 2021

This would allow even greater flexibility in Arteta’s squad. Like Maitland-Niles, Adams could fill in at right-back when needed, as well as competing for a spot in central midfield. And, as per the Sun, Adams has a release clause of just 34 million pounds, which could prove a bargain should he hit the levels that he threatens to.

Would he be a good January pickup for the Gunners?

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