Scouting for Arsenal: 3 super replacements for Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal’s midfield has been strengthened immensely by the summer arrival of Mesut Ozil, and the German’s understanding with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere has resulted in some outstanding performances by the Gunners. Wenger also addressed Arsenal’s soft underbelly by bringing in Mathieu Flamini, the unsung hero who has performed admirably so far this season. However, an injury or suspension will leave Arsenal without a true defensive-midfielder, with Mikel Arteta lacking the legs necessary to perform the role.

So, here’s a look at three players the Gunners could look at during the January transfer window to strengthen the squad and add depth to the squad in their push for the title.

3. Maxime Gonalons

The French international has made 11 appearances for the national side and is currently the captain of French side Olympique Lyonnais. He has risen through the ranks to become one of the best holding midfielders in Ligue 1, and his stock has continued to rise.

His real assets are his intelligence and the ability to read the run of an opposing attacker and track back to intercept the through ball. He can just as well push forward and provide that killer pass to set up a goal. At the same time, he is unafraid to make a tackle and put his body on the line.

Wenger often looks to the French League when he looks at signing fresh talent, and with an average of 87.1% pass completion and 1.5 interceptions per game so far this season, Gonalons has the potential to slot nicely into Arsenal’s squad.

Gonalons is set to move away from Lyon, and while he has been linked with a move to Napoli, a chance to play in the Premier League and work with Arsene Wenger might be a big draw.

2. Nemanja Mati?

Nemanja Matic has arguably been Benfica’s most important player since his arrival from Chelsea in 2011. He is an all round defensive midfielder with good passing, intercepting and shooting skills.

Nicknamed the Spider as he uses his long legs to stride forward and also to stop opponents from going forward. His gameplay can be compared to former Arsenal legend Patrick Viera.

However on the negative side, Matic gets lot of yellow/red cards for unnecessary tackles he makes

1. Lars Bender

Bender is a vital cog of the Bayer Leverkusen machine and helped them to a third place finish last season behind Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Possessing great stamina and good defensive capabilities, Bender is quickly appearing on the radar of many top clubs.

The German international have tremendous work rate that can be compared to that of Aaron Ramsey. Plus, he is a good playmaker too which is very much a required attribute for any Arsenal player. He is also good tackler of the ball.