James McArthur could be on his way out of Selhurst Park in the next season as Roy Hodgson is looking for a shakeup of the current squad. According to latest reports, Aston Villa can move in for the midfielder and their job could be made easier if they secure their Premier League status by winning the playoffs.
Aston Villa has shown huge improvements from the 2016-17 season as they finished outside the top 10 under Roberto De Matteo. This term, they have finished a decent fourth and are in with a shot at qualifications for top-flight football. They will be taking on a resilient Middlesbrough team and one can’t really pick out a favourite from this matchup.
McArthur has made 34 appearances in all competitions and has been regular for the Eagles in the middle of the park. However, he hasn’t covered himself with glory with his inconsistent performances and it seems like his time could be up with them. One of the major reasons why he has been playing regularly even after some average performances is because of the dismal form of Yohan Cabaye. However, McArthur can still be a good bet for Steve Bruce who will be looking to bring more competition for places in the side.
The reports suggest that Aston Villa will have to secure the move to the Premier League to have a chance of luring the Scottish midfielder. They currently have the option of Glen Whelan, Mile Jedinak and Jordan Lyden in the defensive midfield department. Whelan and Jedinak have been the regular starters in the squad and they have done a decent job in midfield. However, both are edging towards mid-thirties and one cannot expect them to play day in and day out next season.
Steve Bruce knows that an experienced customer like McArthur will add a lot of value to the team. However, there has been interest from his home country and the Rangers are also vying for his signature according to latest reports.
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The move is clearly hinging on Villa’s capability to qualify for the Premier League next season. If they miss out, there are surely going to be other top-flight suitors for the experienced midfielder and that could mean Steve Bruce can lose out on his target and he will have to look at other directions to bring in reinforcements for the defensive midfield position.
