According to reports, Arsenal have reignited their interest in Udinese central midfielder Jakub Jankto as they come increasingly closer to the start of the new season. The London side is aware of the gruelling season that the unfamiliar venture of Europa League is going to take them on and Arsene Wenger is increasing his squad depth for the midweek fixtures.
The North London giants are on a promising transfer run this summer and to make a place for the targeted players, the club also has to clear out a large chunk of players from the existing squad. Easing out much of the wage structure remains a top priority as the club eyes some major transfers that could replace them with.
Midfield has been the most criticised position for Arsenal last season apparat from a leaky defence. Despite starting the season with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey, Mohamed Elneny, Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla, the manager soon lost most of his players to injuries. And the remaining struggled with patchy form.
They have found the likes of Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla struggling to attain full-fitness before the season starts and they have started searching for a replacement already. Jankto, 21, could be a potential addition to the squad by all means, who has earlier stated his intentions of playing in England in the long run.
A central midfielder by nature, Jankto can also play on the left flank, which makes him more of a Wenger’s man, who demands multitasking abilities from his players. The Czech Republic international has been on the radar of numerous other sides and Arsenal might risk missing out on him if they delay much.
Arsenal fell out of their long-standing top four spots last season for the first time in over a decade, at the back of some poor displays in the league and face the risk of burning out their top players when the season comes to an end. The second-tier European tournament has always been a source of frustrating injuries, which more than often affects the domestic campaign; Manchester United being the prime example.
The addition of a quality player Jankto would, more than anything, provide ample rest to the likes of Xhaka and Ramsey for the important weekend clashes. At only 21, the player is quite a regular for Udinese. He played 29 Serie A games last season, scoring five times and assisting four. With the likes of Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott ahead of him, he will hope to flourish at the Emirates.
