The need is clear and has been for more than the week-plus since Mohamed Elneny’s potential long-term injury has been made aware to the club and now the wider public. Arsenal need a midfielder and finding one before the window closes is a necessity, should the club not it is nothing short of a failure in the market.
Not that Arsenal’s window in its entirety would be a failure, to be clear. The signings of both Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard are both smart moves, even though the former may be more unknown, research into his history shows his ability to play in both defensive midfield and left centre-half.
However, there remains a need to reinforce the middle with a quality addition and the club have now tried with Moises Caicedo. A £60million bid has been rejected for the Ecuadorian talent football.london understands, but the interest in the player remains.
READ MORE: Brighton decision to reject Arsenal's Moises Caicedo bid part of long term success plan
Brighton however have told Arsenal they do not want to sell. The club have allowed Caicedo time off until the window closes on Tuesday night to refocus.
Although Brighton have allowed several players to leave, even to Arsenal in this window, their midfield remains thin and allowing Caicedo to go could have a seriously detrimental effect on their bid for European qualification. It may be that the Gunners can land Caicedo, but it will cost them far above what he is realistically worth in the market.
Hypothetically, if the situation arises however that Arsenal fail to sign a midfielder in the window it could be hugely costly to their season. With Elneny out, the title hopes could be resting on Thomas Partey avoiding a mid-to-long term injury for the rest of the season.
Edu has options as the window draws closer to its close. The Italian midfielder Ibrahima Bamba is reported to be of interest to the club and has a €30m (£26m) release clause making him a quick solution in the finals days.
The same can be said for Martin Zubimendi. Arsenal are reportedly interested, and the Spaniard has a release clause of €60m (£52.8m) although he might take more convincing to leave high-flying Real Sociedad.
With the opportunity that is on the line this season, Arsenal must take it. Edu will face questions, and rightfully so if a midfielder is not acquired between now and Tuesday’s window closure.
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