According to Daily Mail, Adam Lallana is poised to leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season. This has alerted a host of top clubs across England, including Arsenal, as they monitor the situation of the Liverpool star. Lallana reportedly wants to secure regular first-team football next season, and this could potentially open the door for the clubs chasing him. However, the Gunners will face stiff competition from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Will Lallana be useful for Arsenal?
Arsenal already have a strong creative department in the likes of Mesut Ozil, Nicolas Pepe and Matteo Guendouzi among many others. However, following the departure of Aaron Ramsey in the summer, the north London side have somehow lacked that panache and flair in the final third.
Meanwhile, new signing Pepe has failed to live up to the expectations, along with Reiss Nelson, who hasn’t quite made the impact despite a productive loan spell at Hoffenheim last season. While Ozil has found his form following the arrival of Mikel Arteta, his stupendous wages could create a financial problem for Arsenal, especially in the summer transfer window.
Also, let us not forget, the German is nearing the final phase of his career. Hence, it might not be a bad idea for the Gunners to offload him in the summer, and that’s where Lallana could come into the fray.
How does Adam Lallana fit into the Arsenal setup?
Should Ozil leave, Lallana could be a temporary replacement for the German in the number ten slot. He has played in that position numerous times during his spell at Southampton and Liverpool. His dynamism, coupled with his clever footwork could help him dictate the play in the final third, especially alongside technically gifted attackers like Gabriel Martinelli and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Alternatively, Arteta could utilise Lallana in a deeper role in midfield. With Granit Xhaka operating as number six, the Liverpool man’s creative prowess could add a new dimension to Arsenal’s double-pivot. It is also fair to point out that unlike Ozil, Lallana is aware of his defensive chores.
Having worked with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, the 31-year-old is certainly familiar with a high line of press, thus making him an ideal fit to Arteta’s system at Arsenal.
Moreover, the fact that the England midfielder will be available for free tunes in well with the club’s current financial situation. And given his vast amount of experience at the highest level of football, Lallana could indeed be a sensible signing for the Gunners.
