While Manchester United undergo a midfield ‘crisis’, the top two in the Premier League have very different fortunes in that department. Both Arsenal and Chelsea possess some of the most natural midfield talent that the league has to offer are struggling to fit them all into their side. Arsenal may be recruiting another, if reports from talkSPORT are to believe, as they suggest that Arsene Wenger is lining up a £12.5m move for Napoli’s Gokhan Inler. But where would he fit in to an-already packed Gunners midriff?
Inler is a defensive midfielder who loves a tackle. Currently plying their trade in the pivots of the five-man Arsenal midfield is Mathieu Flamini, who has stunned doubters since his return to the English topflight, and Aaron Ramsey, who has done the same with his goal spurt.
The pair make a brilliant unit at the base of the midfield, as Flamini’s desire to stay in the hole and do the dirty work allows Ramsey to burst forward and do his thing.
Arsenal also have Mikel Arteta, who has just returned from injury and has slotted into a deeper role. He was sent off against Crystal Palace, but he was one of the club’s most important players last season.
Inler is more athletic than Flamini, is a better passer of the ball than Ramsey and is more involved in the defensive side of things than Arteta, but to take one of those three out for his presence is something that I’m not sure would benefit the team, despite his evident ability.
What do you think, Gunners?