As Arsenal get ready for the final day showdown in the Premier League, where they would need a win against a tough Everton side at home as well as want Middlesbrough to hold Liverpool at Anfield, manager Arsene Wenger will have at the back of his mind that any failure to qualify in the top four would mean he needs to bring in heavy reinforcements to appease the infuriated fans.
The North-London club experienced their worst season this term in the Premier League in a long time, which has led to a division among fans as well as the board of the decision to extend the contract of their French manager. The 67-year-old has been alleged of outdated ideas, failing to motivate the players and most of all, unwilling to bring in star players who could fire the club to glory.
And if he is to stay at the club beyond this season, he will definitely have to change his operating policies. Arsenal have already finalised the deal for FC Schalke’s popular left-back Sead Kolasinac, indicating that the club might finally see a different transfer window than what the fans have been acquainted with in the past one decade.
The next name linked heavily has already surfaced in AS Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso. Apparently, the manager is a long-term admirer of the French central midfielder, who has earned a name for his dynamism in the middle of the park. And now with reports emerging of his desire to quit the club, Arsenal are on red alert.
If there is one position that Arsenal are heavily beefed up, it is their midfield. After the arrival of Granit Xhaka last summer, the total number of midfielders available with the first team has become five, which excludes the just returned loanee Jack Wilshere.
Tolisso’s arrival would surely mean some names going, and Wilshere and Ramsey top the probability list. Wilshere’s injury problems haven’t repaired and Ramsey has been maddeningly inconsistent this season, so far. With Xhaka impressing with every passing week, he is bound to be the first-choice next season. The Swiss international is known for his impeccable long-range passing and he needs someone who could cover for him with an aggressive approach.
While Francis Coquelin has held that role currently, he was disastrous all season and Tolisso could be the polished version of him. With reports linking Coquelin to Valencia, Wenger might be tempted for the offer. Tolisso has scored 14 goals and assisted six times for Lyon in all competitions this season, despite being a defence minded player.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion could bring in the urgency and muscle in Arsenal’s midfield, which has been missing for a long time.
