Despite starting their campaign with a brilliant bunch of midfielders, Arsenal have often struggled to win the ball from tight situations and create chances on the counter. And it has had a direct effect on their season. The Gunners are sitting sixth in the Premier League table collecting 50 points with the fear of missing out on the Champions League qualification spot for the first time in 21 years.
After Santi Cazorla got sidelined for the whole season pretty early in the campaign, Arsenal’s anchor positions had to be taken by Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin. And while the duo did decently for the whole of last year, they have become inconsistent in the second half of the season.
Coquelin, who rose to prominence with his aggressive approach from the central midfield, lost his touch completely and things went south for him soon. The other option of Aaron Ramsey didn’t pan out well either as the Wales international has been pathetic, to say the least, in terms of his defensive contribution. While the Egyptian international Mohamed Elneny looked well-greased alongside Xhaka, his repeated injuries have thwarted him in performing unswervingly.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has taken control of the mast right on time from the centre of the field, but Arsenal are so steeped in a lack of confidence and controversy off the field that things look to take time before the squad regroups again. A change in the managerial position is expected by many at the end of the season, and that uncertainty has also contributed majorly to the team’s patchy run.
Whoever be at the helm next season, numerous changes are expected in the squad after this season’s performance. The manager’s setup desperately needs a proper false number 6, who can do the muddy work up front and give Xhaka more time on the ball. The Swiss international has a stunning passing range that makes Arsenal lethal in the attack. And the North London seem to have found an ideal candidate in Udinese’s Jakub Jankto, as per reports.
The central midfielder, who can also play on the flanks, has attracted a lot of interest from other European clubs owing to impressive displays this season. Among the other, Premier League clubs who are keeping close tabs on him are Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.
Jankto has netted four times and assisted the same this season so far in 21 appearances. At only 21, the Czech international’s vision up front and intelligent game reading abilities have enthralled many. And at 184, he looks a perfect fit for the Premier League. His incoming would mean someone or the other to leave Emirates and Jack Wilshere’s contract situation pretty much indicates that.
