Will Arsenal consider exploring the free agent market to address their midfield issues prior to the North London Derby?
After the 1-1 draw against Brighton, it became clear that Arsenal could have a tricky situation with their midfield. Declan Rice’s red card against the Seagulls leaves Arsenal a midfielder short for the upcoming North London derby clash against Tottenham.
After Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith-Rowe left, Arsenal’s options in midfield dropped. Arsenal expected Mikel Merino’s arrival to boost their midfield numbers, but before he could make his debut, he injured his shoulder during training ahead of the Arsenal versus Brighton game. The new recruit could be out for a while.
Versus Spurs, Ethan Nwaneri, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey could be the only midfield options at Arteta’s disposal. If the transfer window was still open, one would have argued Arsenal could do with another midfield signing.
Well, the transfer window is shut. However, there’s an opportunity for Arsenal to make a signing and boost their midfield options.
There were reports early in the summer transfer window that Arsenal was in talks for French midfielder Adrian Rabiot.
Rabiot became a free agent after his deal with Juventus expired. The left-footed box-to-box midfielder, who shares the same profile as Mikel Merino, could inject the physicality into Arsenal’s midfield in the absence of Rice. If he had been at Arsenal, he would have been an ideal partner for Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey against Spurs.
Following the international break, Arsenal could sign and register him as a free agent in time to include him in the North London derby matchday squad. With that said, would Arsenal try to push for his signature, and could their dropping points versus Brighton be the inspiration for that move? Let’s wait and see.
Even so, Arsenal must find a way to field a strong midfield against Spurs after the international break if they pass up the chance to sign Rabiot on a free transfer.
Darren N
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He’s a decent player, and could do a job for a season or two, but he’ll have to get his agent (his mum) to be a bit more realistic with signing on fee and wages etc.
A far more useful addition than Sterling in my opinion and with Merino now missing for at least 2 months a very necessary one.Its been clear from our first three games that Partey is not the player he was two Seasons ago.We definitely need midfield backup and more experience in the central area.Rabiot offers the strength and power that we will see is missing during Rice’s absence in our next match and might be required in future matches.
Honestly makes more sense than Merino
Agree with Jax. A lot of matches coming up. No one can play every 3 days till probably January so a good addition to our squad. No drop off in form either if subbed on. It’s the wages he is demanding that’s an issue. He’s worse off than Osimhen in the fact he’s not playing but still being paid. Rabiots just not playing. Joining Arsenal there’s a great opportunity to win things. We should hold discussions ASAP see the lay of the land.
Adrian Robot’s mother who is his manager and agent is an Arsenal fan. She has been willing that her son will come and play for Arsenal since the time of Wenger. He is a very good player box to box midfielder with much required experience. He will be an ideal signing for us now,. If we actually want to win the EPL without a great scorer and now that Manchester city has brought back their former captain to bolster their midfield. If we want to contest with Manchester city,we need Adrian Robot now.
If he is available, then yes, he can definitely strengthen the squad.
Rabot would be a decent signing, at the right price.
Ultimately no planning from ArtetA and Edu. Far too haphazard in his thinking. Last min dot com.
With the City game looming fast, it has now become a must win game.
If there was a fee paid every time Rabiot’s name has been linked in the media with Arsenal (over the years, not just now), it would probably pay a fair part of his wages.
It all depends upon the terms, doesn’t it? How much does he want, are there any stipulations about playing time etc.? If Edu is really interest and the deal looks OK, he may well try and get him.
I wouldn’t mind him at all.
We don’t know for how long Merino will be out. And there’s no guarantee that he would walk sraight into the team after injury.
This is the right time to get Rabiot. The two-week international break could be good enough time to bed him into the team. I’m hoping, of course, that he is not in the French national camp right now.
He’s a solid player, and if everyone is on board, then that’s all that matters.
very interesting that a player of Rabiot’s pedigree and availability on a free transfer was not snapped up in the window just closed…I wonder why that was…
i care little for others outside Arsenal but is clear both money-bags Man U and Liverpool desperately need quality upgrade in defensive midfield have not even vaguely been interested in Rabiot
ask yourself why Arsenal should suddenly be the suckers because Rice has a ‘one game’ suspension, just in case, ‘one game’ suspension
His agent/mother is overpricing him.
This must be an article written by Rabiot’s mother.
I cannot think of anybody else who would want Arsenal to buy him!!
Things could have been worse, we could have sold Partey in the window.
I guess it will be Jorginho who fills the gap, although I my push for Timber in midfield, and play Calafiori at left back.
OR maybe Kiwior in midfield
But this will be a game we cannot afford to lose!!!!
Arsenal have 22 named players in the so far incomplete squad…still room for an out of contract player or three.
That list include Tierney who will not take any part in this campaign.We need 2 or 3 more players to sustain a fight for the tittle in PL or CL.
I hope there’s not a goalkeeper crisis as I can only see two listed anywhere.
Just discovered Okonkwo