Arsenal have identified former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum to solve their current midfield crisis and looking to make an offer as soon as possible. Paris Saint-Germain are also looking to offload their summer signing who is struggling to break into the first team and has failed to replicate his Liverpool form at Le Parc des Princes.
The Gunners are in great form lately in the English Premier League and have emerged as new favorites to win a top-four race this season. But North London side have lost star midfielder Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny to Africa Cup of Nations duties for this month. Swiss ace Granit Xhaka has tested positive for the Covid-19 outbreak and versatile midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles joined AS Roma on loan last week.
This midfield crisis has also resulted in Arsenal’s shock FA Cup third round 1-0 away defeat against second-tiered side Nottingham Forest last Sunday. Manager Mikel Arteta was forced to place a summer signing Sambi Lokonga and the 18-year-old Charlie Patino, who made his full debut for the Gunners. Arsenal are scheduled to face Liverpool twice and Tottenham Hotspur in their next three matches and they can’t compete with inexperienced Lokonga and Patino in midfield.
According to a report from Fichajes, Arsenal are looking to bring Georginio Wijnaldum back to the English Premier League this month. The same report also suggests that PSG are willing to sell the 31-year-old Dutch international for a transfer fee of just £12.5 million despite 3 years remaining on his contract. Wijnaldum has plenty of Premier League experience where he won the league title and Champions League cup with Liverpool. Wijnaldum arrived at PSG on a free transfer last summer but has struggled with just 3 goals in 24 appearances.
Arsenal Will Sign One New Midfielder This Month, Arteta Confirms:
Mikel Arteta has pointed out the need for a new midfielder at the Emirates and is looking at a few options as well.
“We are very, very short at the moment. We are going to move and look for options because we are very short there.” – Mikel Aretat before the FA Cup clash.
Arsenal have shortlisted five midfield options if they fail to land Wijnaldum this month. Juventus’ Brazilian star Arthur, who is valued at £66 million, has been transfer-listed at the Old Lady and Arsenal are looking for a loan move for the former Barcelona ace. Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes has strongly linked with Arsenal move this month but the Gunners are facing strong competition from West Ham United.
Arsenal are working to sign a new midfielder. Bruno Guimarães appreciated but currently not discussed as January target – deal too complicated, €45m fee. ? #AFC
Arthur Melo on loan has been discussed days ago – but still no talks/contacts with Juve. Three names in the list.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2022
The Gunners are also keeping an eye on Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria, who is recently contacted by Manchester United’s representatives. Empoli’s 20-year-old Italian Samuele Ricci is also on the short-list but will cost much more than other transfer targets for Arsenal.