What this 'tried and tested' PL star brings to Arsenal as the club returns for him 6 months after initiating talks

By Danong

Arsenal were at their peak last season, scoring their most goals ever (91), being at their best not to allow the opposition to score (conceded just 29), having a goal difference of 62 and raising their best points tally in years (89).

For sure, Arsenal must be at their best next season to stand a chance of league glory and no doubt they can only do so by bringing in more quality players. The engine room is one position that will undoubtedly require bolstering.

Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have established their worth in Arteta's engine room, but many believe the club needs to sign another talented player to complement them and give Arsenal a strong midfield trio.

It is considered that Partey is likely to depart in the summer window coming up given his atrocious injury record raising strong doubts as to his availability for next season. He has also one season left in his contract and Arsenal are unlikely to offer an extension.

Below are the midfielders who seem to fulufil Arteta's criteria:

Bruno Guimaraes: The Athletic reports that Arsenal is interested in him, but it is believed his £100 million release clause may prove too expensive.

Douglas Luiz: The Villa midfielder is one who some Arsenal fans would like to see at the Emirates Stadium, but he, too, may be available for a high price and Arsenal have made enquiries last season.

It is unclear however whether he is willing to leave the Birmingham club, which will compete in the Champions League next season or indeed go to Juventous who seem interested.

Martin Zubimendi: According to Sport.es, Artera has made enquiries before and now is willing to pay his £51 million release clause but the player is reluctant once again.

Joao Neves: The Benfica star is one of the most exciting prospects in European football. He could be the perfect midfield addition but signing him for his £100 million or more asking price is unlikely.

What is apparent from the above options is that Arteta seems to have decided that an additional defensive midfielder brought in to sit at the base will release Rice to play at the left side of midfield.

That being said, which midfielder should Arsenal consider signing? I'd suggest we go for Amadou Onana. Notably, according to Fabrizio Romano, as reported by Give Me Sport, they have already made contact over the swoop.

These recent links aren't new; the Everton star is a midfielder. Sacha Tavolieri, the Belgian journalist, said Arsenal held talks for the move during the winter transfer window, with the player back then interested in the move, but the deal never materialised.  

Arsenal was confident he was the ideal addition to their project at the time, so why shouldn't he continue to be so today?

Despite reports that he is available for £50 million, he could go for less given that Everton are in a difficult financial situation and require sales this summer; an enticing offer could persuade them to let the Belgian international leave.

If Onana signed, what would he bring to Arsenal?

People often perceive Onana as a 'destroyer', adept at regaining possession of the ball and facilitating the creation of opportunities for others. 

With his 6'4 size, the former Lille star dominates his zone and has the ability to physically overpower the rival midfielders. 

His elastic, long legs allow him to be a good tackler, which is becoming increasingly important as the Premier League shifts to a more centre-progression-focused approach.

His ball-carrying style is reminiscent of Yaya Toure's—powerful ball carriers with lengthy strides and muscle, but also comfortable when closed down. 

If paired with Declan Rice, Onana may take turns going on marauding runs with the ball while the other sits and marshals the defence.

Though he is mostly a 6, the 22-year-old hybrid midfielder can play as both a 6 and an 8, so if he joins, Arteta will pick where he plays. He can continuously trade positions with Rice, depending on the opponent.

For sure, teaming Rice and Onana would be devastating for opponents since it would go a long way in establishing domination in central midfield while also providing Arsenal with the option of carrying the ball centrally themselves.

This is what i think. What do you think?