Arsenal Transfers: Top 3 Defensive Midfield Targets

So you still miss the days of Patrick Viera in Arsenal’s midfield? Those days when Arsenal not just maintained possession, they dominated the game with their physicality. There is not a single doubt in anyone’s mind that Patrick Viera’s loss to Arsenal was one of their biggest setbacks amidst all of the other players who left the club. Although at that moment, the emergence of Cesc Fabregas plugged the hole created by Viera in the central midfield, but after Fabregas the importance of Viera can really be felt among the team. Perhaps the emergence of Fagregas along with Flamini in the centre of the park made Wenger to forget about the physical side of the game and ever since, there has not been a single player who shows absolute steel until Alex Song came along, and just like that disappeared to the Barcelona bench. However, this summer Arsenal are showing some real intent to strengthen their team and let’s hope Wenger has a defensive midfielder in his mind. Here we list three such players whom Wenger can consider when he scours the transfer market in the search for the next Patrick Viera.

Marouane Fellaini

Supposedly Arsenal have rightly showed interest in the Everton midfielder. We have already seen his impact in the Premier League for Everton and Wenger is aware of the immense difference that he can bring to the team. He is a perfect blend of physicality and technique and can call the shots from the central midfield with aplomb. Although some of the fans have raised their voice against this move, stating Fellaini’s passing accuracy and the knack to play the passing game, his physical presence cannot be over looked. Imagine Fellaini, Mertesacker, Giroud and Koscielny when taking corners and set-pieces and if defending them. Isn’t that what Arsenal want? A towering midfield enforcer with a knack of scoring goals.

However, this move seems more and more unlikely as Arsenal are not ready to meet the £23million release clause in his contract, and if not the likes of Chelsea and United can swoop in and sign the Belgian with ease as the player has already mentioned his desire to leave the club.

Paul Pogba

This man is making all sorts of waves in world football at the moment that the likes of Arsenal and Man City are after the former Man United player. Even Viera feels that Pogba is the next big thing in French football and a lot better than him at the same age. After his transfer to Juventus from Manchester United, he has had quite a tremendous progress this season and now a vital part of the Seria A champions. But whether Juventus will let go of the emerging star is a question though.

However, the 20-year-old has already distanced himself from a move away from the Turin outfit, saying he is happy at Juventus.

“I’m good at Juventus but I want to focus only on the World Cup,” Pogba told French newspaper Le Parisien whilst on international duty with Les Blues. On my future I have no news, so of course I willstay at Juventus.”

Victor Wanyama

He might prove to be the one realistic target for the Gunners and definitely a very decent one. The Celtic midfielder has had such a wonderful season for the club that he is actually attracting offers from a number of top clubs in the world. Arsenal would certainly benefit from the skill and presence of Wanyama in the midfield and his inclusion would go on to make the team much stronger.

P.S: All of these three players are most likely to either sign for other clubs or remain with their current clubs. Am just stating that, these are the three players that Wenger should go after.