The Gunners will face the North London derby with a midfield crisis. Rice has been suspended after receiving a red card against Brighton and new signing Merino is out due to injury.
After the departure of Emile Smith-Rowe and Fabio Vieira, Arsenal will lack depth in the middle.
Though the transfer window is closed, clubs can sign free agents. Players who were club less before the end of the deadline day on 30th August can sign new deals with clubs.
These free agents can come in handy for Arsenal. They will be seeking for a reliable mid fielder. Arsenal’s starting 11 consists of three elite mid fielders- captain Odegard, Rice and Partey.
In the absence of Rice and Merino, Jorginho is very likely to start against the Spurs on 15th September.
Arsenal will have a long season ahead as they will be playing in 4 different tournaments. Even after the return of the suspended and injured players the Gunners will have only five experienced professionals and some young academy talents in their midfield.
Arteta would not like to take the risk of playing such a long season with that number of mid fielders in hand. So the Gunners are in the market again to sign a solid mid fielder. Former Juventus maestro Adrien Rabiot can be a great option for Arteta’s young squad.
Is Rabiot suitable for the Gunners?
The 29 year French international left the Italian giants Juventus as a free agent at the end of last season. In everyone’s surprise a player of his caliber is still club less.
Rabiot can be the perfect player for the Gunners as he matches the profile of what Arteta wants in the pitch. Rabiot has no significant weaknesses in his game. He is very strong and uses his physicality properly with his brain. He is aerially strong and hardly looses in duels.
As per WhoScored Rabiot has maintained a season rating of 7. He is good in both offensive and defensive duties. Rabiot averages 2.44 progressive carries per 90 minutes. It is a great amount for a deep lying mid fielder.
Rabiot is an awkward box threat for the opposition sides. His positioning in a set piece is very mature. Last season he was in the top 10 list of most non-penalty goals scored by a midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues.
Arsenal’s midfield have strong and hard-working players like Rice and Merino. Rabiot can be a great player to come out of bench or start the games as they have similarities in their games. He can fit in any kind of system as his play style is so unique.
Arsenal will definitely try to sign Rabiot before the International break ends. Currently Manchester United is also linked with the French mid fielder.
Future of the Frenchman
Rabiot had to face criticism from fans and pundits in the past for his lack of creativity. But former French striker David Trezeguet has no doubts about Rabiot’s quality. He even described him as a ‘world class’ player.
Rabiot will decide his future soon before the International break ends. He has been linked with the Red Devils since 2022 but the deal never progressed.
As per reports Manchester United still wants to sign the French mid fielder as a free agent. But Arsenal also seems to be in the race as they lack depth.
Interests for Rabiot are also coming from Saudi and Turkish league. Turkish side Galatasaray is reportedly interested in the 29 year old mid fielder.
Moreover, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr also wanted to sign him in 2023. Ronaldo would love to team up with his former Juve teammate.
Rabiot will be deciding his future soon as he will consider all the factors.
A trusted source on GoonerNews.comFor more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
