Arsenal need to add to the midfield department in the transfer window. Despite a strong starting pivot in the middle of the park, there is a lack of quality in depth to boost Mikel Arteta’s options.
Youri Tielemans was thought to be the main target to bolster the Arsenal midfield. However, doubts have reportedly emerged about the signing of the Belgian.
If Edu does opt against signing Tielemans, then it is crucial that an alternative is signed. A potential option for the Gunners is Denis Zakaria from Juventus who would be available for a transfer.
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According to Italian journalist Fabiana Della Valle, Juventus are in talks with Monaco to sell Zakaria to Ligue 1 side Monaco. The Bianconeri reportedly believe that Zakaria’s sale could help them bring in a good capital profit.
This is a potential deal that Arsenal should look to steal. Arteta needs more options in the middle of the park and Zakaria’s versatility where he is also able to play in defence makes him an ideal acquisition.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are two players whose place in the team are currently beyond question. Albert Sambi Lokogna and Mohammed Elneny are the two backup players, but their levels in terms of experience and quality do not compare with the two starters.
While it would be unlikely for Zakaria to come in and be an automatic starter, he would bridge the gap between the backup midfielders and the starting players in the middle of the park. It is certainly a transfer that Edu should look to explore.
The Express previously reported that Arsenal were interested in signing the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, in order to solve Arteta’s central midfield problems before he made the transfer switch to Juventus in the last January transfer window.
Arteta's side have 'cooled' their interest in Tielemans, according to report from Sky Sports earlier in the transfer window. The report claims that it's become increasingly likely that the Belgium international now signs a one-year contract extension at the King Power Stadium, with his current deal set to expire in 12 months.
Zakaria would certainly be a good alternative due to his ability to play in either the no.6 or the no.8 role. With Juventus looking to sell the midfielder, it would not be a tough task to get over the line for Edu.
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