4 players who could solve Arsenal’s midfield problems

Arsenal have Jack Wilshere, Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey and Mohamed Elneny as options in the midfield, but the Gunners’ quartet are flawed individuals, who are costing the side points this season.

Supporters have been desperate for manager Arsene Wenger to sign a commanding midfielder to bring physicality and a dominance to the engine room, and here are four players who they should consider.

#4 Mario Lemina – Southampton

The 24-year-old, who joined Southampton from Juventus in 2017, is a box-to-box midfielder, being adept defensively and driving with the ball from deep. Lemina has made 19 Premier League appearances for the struggling Saints this season, boasting a tackle or interception every 18 minutes, while making 42 successful dribbles (91% success rate).

Arsenal had the chance to sign him last summer before Arsene Wenger opted against a move, but many believe the Gunners should have procured Lemina’s signature due to the qualities he brings on the pitch. The £20m Gabon midfielder boasts an 89% pass completion ratio, and while contracted until 2022, Lemina could consider a move away as Southampton are currently in the relegation zone.

#3 Sven Bender – Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal's Head of Recruitment could convince Sven Bender (left) to come to England.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Sven Bender has been an Arsenal target for years, and the German defensive midfielder should be on their radar again given what he’d bring to the side.

The 28-year-old only joined Leverkusen last summer, but Arsenal’s Head of Recruitment Sven Mislintat could convince Bender to come to England, given he was the man who brought the German to former side Borussia Dortmund in the first place. He would likely cost in excess of the £11m transfer fee that took him to the BayArena.

Twin brother of Lars, Sven has averaged a tackle or interception every 22 minutes, while boasting an 85% tackle success rate. In 1655 minutes of Bundesliga football, Bender has been disposed of just three times. He would be ideal for Arsenal and wouldn’t break the bank.

#2 Fabinho – AS Monaco

Fabinho has been heavily linked to Manchester United, but Arsenal could yet hijack the deal.

Monaco midfielder Fabinho is a target for Manchester United, but Arsenal should look to hijack their deal for the Brazilian. Fabinho, who has openly admitted he could leave the club in the summer, has impressed in Ligue 1 this season.

The 24-year-old has scored and created seven goals in 23 league starts while boasting a tackle or interception every 20 minutes. Fabinho has been proficient going forward too, creating 27 chances and making 30 successful dribbles.

He would reportedly cost Arsenal over £80m, which could prove a stumbling block, but he is a talented midfielder who is worth the money.

#1 Max Meyer – Schalke

Max Meyer is still raw but he's young enough to develop.

Meyer is out of contract with Schalke in the summer and could be a bargain buy ahead of next season. The combative 22-year-old, who’s worked his way up the youth ranks, has made 20 Bundesliga appearances, averaging a tackle or interception every 15 minutes.

He’s adept at turnover but also is comfortable in possession, boasting a 90% pass completion ratio, but he would need more time to develop.

Meyer is still somewhat raw, but he would break the bank in the summer if Arsenal can beat a host of suitors to his signature.