Arsenal scout three midfielders amid Mikel Arteta's concerns over five stars
Arsenal's need to sign a new centre forward has been well documented, but Mikel Arteta may also be hoping to bolster his midfield department in the January transfer window.
The Gunners started to strengthen that area of the pitch in the summer with the record arrival of Declan Rice and the signing of Kai Havertz for a combined £170million. Rice has made the No.6 position his own this season, while Havertz has been most notably used in central midfield or up front.
Despite this, Arteta could still bring a big-money midfielder to the Emirates this month. According to the Standard, Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz, Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and Everton's Amadou Onana have all been scouted by Arsenal as they scour around for the best midfield option.
The Standard also state that the Gunners' plan is for Rice to have long-term competition at the base of midfield, though the transition could be eased if Jorginho's contract is extended. The 32-year-old has six months left on his current deal, but Arsenal do have an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.
Jorginho is a popular figure inside the dressing room and one of the most technically-gifted players in the squad. However, with Jorginho turning 33 in December, there could be concerns over his age and ability to play at the highest level for years to come. The Italian hasn't started a Premier League game since the 3-1 win over Burnley in November, though he returned to the XI to face Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday.
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Mohamed Elneny is another midfielder out of contract this summer. The 31-year-old, who is currently away with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, has made one Premier League appearance all season and will leave the Emirates at the end of the campaign unless he signs a new deal.
Thomas Partey, meanwhile, has 18 months left on his contract and has struggled with injuries throughout the majority of the campaign. The 31-year-old, who hasn't been called up to the Ghana squad for AFCON, could be heading for the exit door this summer, having not started a league game since August.
Mohamed Elneny is out of contract this summer (Getty Images)Emile Smith Rowe, 24, endured an impressive breakthrough 2020/21 campaign, but he hasn't been able to get a consistent run in the side over the past 12 months due to injury. Aston Villa and Newcastle have both been linked with moves to sign the England international in January.
Fabio Viera is another midfield option, but he hasn't had the impact Arteta may have wanted after signing for £34m from Porto in June 2022. The Portugal international underwent groin surgery in November and hasn't returned since, with Viera making eight Premier League appearances this season.
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