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Arteta wants to make late swoop for a new midfielder

By on January 25, 2023

Mikel Arteta Arsenal

Arsenal have made an approach to sign Everton’s Amadou Onana and boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he wants to add a new midfielder to his squad before next week’s transfer deadline after a fresh injury setback.

The Gunners have been busy in this winter window in order to strengthen the squad and continue their title charge this term. Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior have already been purchased to reinforce the attack and defence respectively, but it appears Arsenal are also looking to make a late swoop to bolster the engine room this month.

Arteta has revealed that Mohamed Elneny has suffered a fresh injury to his knee. When asked about reports that the Egyptian could be ruled out for the rest of the season, Arteta didn’t categorically rule it out but said they’d assess the injury over the coming days before determining how long he’ll be out for.

The Gunners boss also says that the north London club are exploring the transfer market to replace the Egyptian – whose current contract is set to expire at the end of this season and could leave the club next summer – and adding depth to the midfield is currently on their agenda before the deadline.

Arteta said:

“Well, we need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can. If there’s anything else available that can make us better we’ll look at it.

“I don’t think he (Elneny) will be [available for Friday]. He had some issues with his knee that we are assessing at the moment and we will have to see how he evolves in the next couple of days. There are concerns, especially (because) Mo is a player who never complains about anything. But let’s see.”

Arteta wants new midfielder

Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders since the start of this transfer window, while Weston McKennie and Amadou Onana have emerged as potential targets in recent days.

Leeds United have made a concrete approach to sign McKennie this month. However, Corriere dello Sport has reported that the Premier League leaders are also eyeing a move for him and they would have a very good chance to secure the midfielder’s signature if they decide to formalise their interest.

On the other hand, 90min journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Arsenal have made contact with Everton over signing Onana this month and the Toffees want a fee of around £50m to let the Belgian leave having bought him for £33m last summer.

So, it will be interesting to see who Arsenal will opt to make a move for within the final few days of this window to strengthen the engine room. Mckennie or Onana would be a perfect replacement for Elneny, therefore either of them would be a very good acquisition.

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