3 replacements for Arsenal's ageing midfielder Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta

As I write this, Arsenal are to yet to take on Bayern Munich in the last sixteen of the Champions League at the Emirates on Wednesday night. Arsenal will go into the game with French man Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere to try and stop the Bavarians in the middle of the park as the Gunners are without their vice-captain and Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta due to suspension.

This might just be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners as the former Everton midfielder hasn’t really been up to his level and has been quite susceptible in the middle of the park, losing possession or giving away cheap free kicks with his poor tackling and lack of pace. Arteta’s football has taken him around Europe’s top and rich tapestry of football echelons – Barcelona, PSG, Rangers, Real Sociedad and then Everton. He was brought to replace the Cesc Fabregas sized hole at Arsenal, but given recent performances Wenger will be looking to bring replacements in the summer.

1. Blaise Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi

The Frenchman has already captured the imagination of major clubs all across Europe who have been impressed by powerful displays in the middle of the park. Even though he is considered as a defensive midfielder, he is more like a box-to-box player who will join in attacks too.

He is physically strong, has decent dribbling skills, good pace and passing vision. His shooting is also not bad for a DM. He may not have the ability to read the game like Arteta, but still he would fit perfectly in Arsenal colors.

2. Maxime Gonalons

Maxime Gonalons

With another French side, Lyon struggling in the league, it is the perfect time for Wenger to tempt the club with a summer bid for highly rated French Midfielder. Maxime Gonalons has amazing vision, good long balls, and exquisite ball control. He is more like Michael Carrick like player who can playmaker from deeper areas in the pitch at the same time provide good defensive cover to the defenders.

Many top clubs will be interested in his signature for sure, so , Arsenal needs to act fast to have any chance on luring the French star to Emirates.

3. Lars Bender

Lars Bender

Bayer Leverkusen’s terrific season has seen Lars Bender having yet another impressive performance for the Bayer arena faithful. With mini-German gang with the likes of Podolski, Mertesacker, Ozil and Gnabry forming up at Arsenal, it will be easy for him to settle quickly in London.

Even though his current side is doing well in the league and can offer champions league football, playing for one of the English giants may tempt him. He is again a box-to-box type player who has tremendous engine, good strength and decent passing skills. He is indeed the best available option for the gunners, but Bayer will never sell him for cheap.