Mikel Arteta can still bolster midfield with ‘elegant’ Arsenal move before North London Derby
Arsenal are currently facing something of a midfield crisis.
Arsenal will be without some key midfield operators when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby.
Declan Rice is suspended for the crunch clash, having been shown a red card against Brighton last time out. Meanwhile, summer signing Mikel Merino is injured, and club captain Martin Odegaard is struggling with a fitness concern.
Mikel Arteta will have to shake up the Arsenal midfield against Spurs. However, whilst the current circumstances are temporary, they may well have convinced that Spanish coach that his squad is somewhat light on options in the middle of the park.
Of course, the transfer widow is now closed, limiting the North London club’s options when it comes to bolstering their ranks. However, the Gunners can still pick up free agents. This could spark Arsenal to make a surprise move for one player that they have been credited with an interest in before, who is currently without a club.
Arsenal could still make a move for Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot is now unattached, having left Juventus earlier this summer, upon the expiry of his contract.
The French midfielder is now assessing his options.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, reporting on X, has now provided an update on Rabiot’s current status.
He said: “Similar to Turkey, Adrien Rabiot has also currently no plans to accept any proposal from Saudi Pro League. His priority and desire remain European top 5 leagues.”
Arsenal could now offer the 29-year-old the kind of opportunity he is waiting for. The 48-cap France international is yet to test himself in the Premier League, and on a short-term deal he would represent an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad.
Why Arsenal must consider Rabiot
Rabiot has been described as an “elegant” player in the past, and he would bring plenty of attractive attributes with him to the Emirates Stadium.
He boasts a great deal of winning experience, having enjoyed numerous title triumphs in Italy and France.
Rabiot is also a technically adept player, confident and assured on the ball. On top of that, he is a robust physical presence, able to win duels in the middle of the park. In that sense, he would be an ideal tactical fit for Arsenal.
As an option to give the Gunners additional strength in depth as a free transfer, Arsenal should now seriously consider launching a move for Rabiot.
