Arsenal are heading towards Europa League next season after experiencing their worst season in the past two decades under manager Arsene Wenger. The pathetic display has led to a pandemonium on and off the field among the fans and critics and it might exacerbate if the 67-year-old decided to remain at the club after this season, which is a big possibility.
While Arsenal are too familiar with the drill every season for the past 11 years, this year took their mediocrity a step further. And interestingly unlike other seasons, the Gunners did splash the cash this time to bring in the likes of Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez and reinforce the squad.
While certain positions in the squad still need major fillings, one area which requires major revamp is their midfield. Despite have five established midfielders at their disposal, the North London side had to force winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to adapt to that midfield role alongside Xhaka midseason, as most of the other options were injured.
And it hasn’t been anything new with the club. The likes of Santiago Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere have spent most seasons out injured. While Ramsey has missed 17 games this season already, Cazorla is out since October missing 43 games. Coquelin has been very poor until late and Elneny hasn’t recovered since arriving from AFCON back in February.
It means that Arsenal would need seven to eight quality players for this area itself and with Europa League next season, the more options the merrier. Wenger seems to recognise it already as Arsenal are eyeing a move for Juventus’ central midfielder Mario Lemina, as per reports.
The 23-year-old Gabon international has struggled to get a first team chance in Serie A champions’ star-studded line-up and might be looking a way out of Turin this summer. Lemina has managed just 27 appearances for Juventus this season in all competitions.
A perfect box-to-box midfielder, Wenger could greatly benefit from the African, who has been likened to Paul Pogba by many. With Jack Wilshere’s future with Arsenal pretty much over as the English midfielder ended the season with another injury, Lemina could be seen as a potential replacement for their academy product.
While getting stars to join the side will be a huge problem for Arsenal as they are out of the Champions League, Lemina would hardly be a concern as first team action remains his first priority. He is labelled in the region of £20 million as per reports, and Arsenal would face tough competition from Liverpool, Schalke and AS Roma.
