Arsenal’s possible midfield targets following serious Elneny injury
Suraj Radia
- 30 Aug 2022 18:48 BST
Arsenal are considering signing a midfielder going into the final days of the transfer window after Mohamed Elneny sustained a significant injury in the win over Fulham.
The Gunners had already been looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park throughout the window but they had so far opted to prioritise other areas of the team.
However, the need for a midfielder has grown in recent days, with it still unknown as to how long Elneny will be out for and Thomas Partey also carrying a knock.
The injuries leaves Arsenal with just Granit Xhaka and Albert Lokonga as their only available holding midfielders and the club might be forced to adjust their transfer plans accordingly.
A forward was believed to be top of Mikel Arteta's shopping list going into deadline day and Arsenal are considering a move for Shakhtar's Mykhalo Mudryk after being by Wolves told that priority target Pedro Neto is not for sale.
Arsenal director Edu Gaspar has previously stated that the club will only conduct deals that are financially sensible for players that improve the squad in the long-term, meaning they are unlikely to go for a short-term fix.
The Gunners are operating under tight constraints, having spent in excess of £100 million this summer, and it would be difficult for the club to sign both a winger and a midfielder.
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Which midfielders could Arsenal target to replace Elneny?
The Gunners could finally make a move for Youri Tielemans, having been strongly linked with the Leicester midfielder since January.
The Belgian is unlikely to sign an extension to his contract which expires next summer and Leicester have reportedly lowered their asking price to £38 million.
While Tielemans is more of a creative midfielder than a defensive one, his profile would fit Arsenal's plan of signing players they have already scouted instead of altering their targets.
Arsenal have also reportedly enquired about Palmeiras defensive midfielder Danilo and the Brazilian side are believed to want around €25m for the 21-year-old.
Elneny taking one for the team. He knew we needed a midfielder so he sacrificed himself to force the club into buying a new midfielder. Thanks Moh. You surely do love this club. Quick recovery legend.
— WelBeast (@WelBeast) August 30, 2022
A more affordable target would be Florian Grillitsch, with the Austrian being available on a free transfer after leaving Hoffenheim this summer.
Seko Fofana of Lens and PSG's Leandro Paredes are also potential options but it is more likely the club moves for Danilo or Tielemans, considering their long-standing interest in the duo.
Whether the Gunners make more money available to sign both Mudryk and a midfielder remaisn to be seen but it appears Elneny's injury could end up having significant repercussions for Arsenal.
