The five best free agent midfielders Arsenal could target this summer

Javi Martinez

The five best free agent midfielders in the transfer market Arsenal could target this summer

By Jack Lacey

With the futures of Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard, Matteo Guendouzi and Dani Ceballos all up in the air, Arsenal will need to re-organise their midfield department swiftly this summer.

At least one, possibly two, reinforcements will be needed, particularly after the Gunners missed out on Emiliano Buendia.

Once an area of strength in the team, the midfield now lacks cohesion. A mismatch in desperate need of reinforcements.

Although manager Mikel Arteta will still have some money to spend this summer, with multiple signings required the free agent market could be a key area to exploit.

Here are five midfielders Arsenal could sign this summer without having to pay a transfer fee. 

 

Ramires


Admittedly, the last time Mikel Arteta signed a Brazilian, ex-Chelsea midfielder, it was a disaster. Most fans are unanimous that Willian has been a big disappointment since hopping across London last year.

But his former teammate is just what Arsenal need. Ramires may be a former hero at Stamford Bridge, but that shouldn’t block a deal.

He would bring the bite the midfield has been crying out for in recent years.

The Brazilian has experience of winning major honours, a first-class engine, and has never been shy of a tackle.

Now 34, his body holding up to the physical demands of the Premier League is the major question mark.

But don’t just write him off just because he is older. Some midfielders get better with age, Mikel Arteta would be the first to say so himself.

On a free transfer he could be a steal.

 

Javi Martinez


If Arsenal are serious about bringing in proper top-class trophy winners to the club, they should move heaven and earth to sign Javi Martinez.

The Spaniard has been a key part of the Bayern Munich machine that has dominated Bundesliga from 2012 and won two Champions Leagues, in 2013 and 2020.

Put technique to one side for the moment, his big match experience alone would be invaluable to the younger players in the squad. Particularly at a time when the Gunners sorely need leadership.

Martinez is also versatile and can operate equally comfortably as a holding midfielder or even at centre-back. At a time when the club is looking short in both positions, the high wage he would command may be worth every penny.

He even has experience of playing in a Pep Guardiola system, one like the tactical blueprint Arteta is trying to employ.

 

Franco Vazquez


If looking more a more creative midfielder, the club could do a lot worse than pursue a deal with Franco Vazquez.

The former Palermo man's contract with Sevilla is coming to an end, meaning he will be available on a free.

Vazquez is quick, left-footed playmaker with excellent close control. If he signed it would arguably be the club's first proper attempt to replace Santi Cazorla.

At 6ft 2in, the gritty Argentine should be equipped to deal with the physicality of English football.

He also has experience of playing as a ‘false nine’, and as we know from last season, the more forward options available the better. Particularly if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is absent.


Hakan Calhanoglu


The Turkish midfielder and free agent could be the perfect replacement should Martin Odegaard choose not to make his stay permanent.

He was arguably the main creative threat for AC Milan throughout the Serie A season, with an ability to thread a pass that would give Mesut Ozil a run for his money.

A major plus point for Calhanoglu is his age. At 28, he is not only in potentially the prime of his career, but also relatively young for a free agent.

The stumbling block could be his involvement for Turkey at Euro 2020, the ultimate shop window. Helping his country through the group stage, would only add to the list of potential suitors from all over Europe. The Gunners may be far from the top of the queue.

If the recruitment team go for him, they will have to move quickly. Something Edu and Co may be uneasy with if they still hold out hope of signing Odegaard from Real Madrid on a permanent basis.

With no transfer fee involved, approaching Calhanoglu still seems a no brainer.


Fernandinho

Fernandinho


Ok this one maybe a long shot. Manchester City are still thought to be keen on offering Fernandinho, 36, another contract.

But currently his deal is set to expire at the end of June, meaning other clubs can approach him.

His ability to break up play, make transitions and stop the opposition has been unrivalled in the Premier League for eight years.

He has won everything bar a European Cup. Surely it is time for a new challenge? If City do let him go, the club should do everything possible to bring him to North London.

Image Credit: Getty Images


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