Arsenal's Midfield Dilemma: Pursuing Solutions In The Summer Transfer Window

Arsenal has felt the absence of Granit Xhaka in midfield this season, prompting discussions about addressing this gap in the upcoming summer transfer window. Xhaka was sold to Bayer Leverkusen last summer for £21.4 million, and instead of a direct replacement, Arsenal brought in Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million. Havertz, usually a false 9 forward, has been deployed in the midfield experiment, contributing to mixed results. While Arsenal has become more dangerous in attack, concerns have arisen about a lack of defensive robustness.

Fans and critics alike have suggested that Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu Gaspar, should consider acquiring a central midfielder with a profile similar to Xhaka’s. The focus in the January transfer window has been on a center-forward, making the next summer window a more likely opportunity. Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, previously on Arsenal’s radar, could be a viable option. Newcastle’s recent financial losses of £73.4 million have raised concerns about their ability to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP), potentially making Guimaraes available.

Reports suggest that Guimaraes has a release clause in his contract valued at €115 million (£98 million), payable in three installments. The financial situation at Newcastle has put them in a position where they might need to sell prized assets, and Guimaraes could be among those considered. While Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Chelsea are expected to be interested, Arsenal, although not currently linked, could make a sensible move for the Brazilian midfielder.

Newcastle’s financial constraints may limit their asking price, providing Arsenal with an opportunity to secure a player with Premier League experience. This aligns with Arsenal’s past strategy of signing players from rival Premier League teams, such as Gabriel Jesus, David Raya, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Declan Rice.