Arsenal have not been linked with many central midfielders this summer, but with Santi Cazorla’s injury, many fans have been itching for the Gunners to make a move for another central player, especially with Jack Wilshere reportedly on the way out of the club.
This has changed with the news that the Gunners have reportedly reignited their interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.
The news originates from Portuguese source Record and the story is translated and brought to us by the brilliant Sport Witness. They say that Arsenal are interested in Carvalho, but are yet to make an official approach to Lisbon. The report does say that Carvalho is keen on a move to the Premier League – and his wages certainly would not be an issue.
I think Carvalho would be a good addition to the squad, but I do have concerns over his mobility, especially in a midfield two. It would put a lot of strain on Aaron Ramsey to create the energy in central midfield for Arsenal – and it’s hard to see his hamstrings managing for a whole season. If Carvalho is a squad addition and a replacement for Francis Coquelin then I can certainly see the benefits of signing him, especially at a relatively modest £25million – considering the current state of the market.
I think if Arsenal are going to stick with a 3-4-2-1 formation they need someone a little more capable of linking the midfield to attack, but I guess it depends on who Wenger intends to partner a new player with – Ramsey or Xhaka?