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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal endured an underwhelming season, finishing well below expectations domestically. Their 8th place Premier League finish saw them miss out on European football for the first time since the 1994-95 season, while they were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Arsenal's demanding fanbase expects the squad to be considerably redeveloped ahead of the upcoming season.
Mass exodus looms large for Arsenal
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The summer transfer window has already seen the exit of a number of key midfielders. Guendouzi has departed for Marseille while Granit Xhaka is reportedly on the verge of a move. Meanwhile, loanees Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos have returned to parent club Real Madrid.
Arsenal need to replace these midfield options and have identified the services of James Maddison as a creative influence they want to acquire. However, Leicester City are playing hard negotiators and value the 24-year-old at close to £60 million in the transfer market.
As a result, Arsenal may be forced to turn their attention to more practical targets. Here are 5 alternatives for the Gunners to pursue should they struggle to land the Leicester City man.
#5 Luis Alberto, Lazio
Former Liverpool midfielder Luis Alberto has grown immensely since his time on Merseyside, finding himself a consistent goal provider for Lazio.
A skilled counter-attacking midfielder, his quick release of the football and reading of the game is complemented by his accuracy to thread balls through the lines.
While he might be a defensive liability, his work-rate and presence on the ball would allow him to replace the quality Ceballos and Odegaard offered to Aubemayang and Bukayo Saka. With his future up in the air, Luis Alberto could be tempted to a return to the Premier League should Arsenal make a reasonable bid for his services
#4 Joe Willock
Joe Willock had hit a developmental block at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta failing to trust the 21-year-old in his time with the Arsenal first team. A loan move to Newcastle United in January 2021, however, has brought a spark of excellent form.
Willock contributed an outstanding return of 8 goals in 14 appearances to lead Newcastle to comfortable Premier League safety. He even equalled Alan Shearer's goalscoring record of netting in seven consecutive games.
Recalling Willock to the Arsenal first team would be a popular decision with the fans, who have already seen Emile Smith Rowe progress as a first-team starter.
Blessed with immense pace and dribbling to match his 6'1 frame, the Arsenal academy product has developed a knack for turning up in the right place to score. By saving millions in the transfer market, which could be dedicated to fortifying other positions, a recall for Willock might be a practical option well worth considering.
#3 Manuel Locatelli, Sassuolo
Newly crowned Euro 2020 winner Manuel Locatelli represents the perfect mix of discipline and creativity for Arsenal in the holding midfield position. The 23-year-old Sassuolo player has often showcased an astute reading of the range and passing range that would make him the heartbeat of the Arsenal midfield.
His could potentially complement the industry and tenacity offered by the likes of Thomas Partey. His positioning and tactical intelligence would be extremely attractive to Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have preferred to deploy a rigid set-up against bigger clubs and in fixtures away from home, where every touch of the ball counts.
After his performances in an Italy shirt and the recently concluded Serie A season, Locatelli is reportedly on the radar of big clubs such as Juventus and Liverpool.
#2 Renato Sanches, Lille
The 2016 Golden Boy winner has seen his star fall with failed moves to Bayern Munich and a loan spell at Swansea City. Injuries and reduced playing time led many to question if Sanches would ever fulfill the immense potential he showed as a winner at Euro 2016.
After a title-winning campaign with Lille and a resurgent display with Portugal at Euro 2020, Sanches has reignited the hype and lofty expectations. The midfielder is once again drawing comparisons to the likes of midfield greats such as Edgar Davids.
A well-rounded and energetic box-to-box midfielder, Sanches is the quintessential No.8 for Arteta's style of football. Skilled at quick transitions and ball retention, a number of clubs have put him back on their radar. Arsenal will have to step up negotiations to secure Sanches' sought-after services.
#1 Houssem Aouar, Lyon
Over the last two seasons, Houssem Aouar has established himself as one of Europe's finest goalscoring midfielders with Lyon. The French star is blessed with the sublime technical ability that would qualify him for the "Arsenal way".
A master of half-spaces, Aouar can add thrust to what has at times been a flat and stagnant Arsenal midfield, struggling to break down organized opponents.
The dribbling and link-up play he would offer, along with the sheer return of assists and goals, would make him a formidable signing.
