Written by Harry Dodds (@hdodds_bu)
It’s been a topsy-turvy season for Arsenal so far with Mikel Arteta’s side sitting in 11th place after 17 games.
The Gunners endured a torrid run of form in the latter months of 2020, failing to win in seven successive league games.
But since boxing day, the team has hit a good run of form, with youngsters such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe turning in inspired performances.
Smith-Rowe has been a revelation in the number 10 role for Arsenal, but isn’t the long-term answer.
Arteta has to be wary of hinging too much pressure on his young players who are still developing.
And with Ozil looking like he is on the way out, I’ve compiled a list of 3 creative midfielders that could slot into the 10 role at Arsenal.
Julian Brandt
Julian Brandt has been around for a while now, and has established himself as one of Germany’s best creative talents.
But now 24, Brandt has failed to make an impression this season for Dortmund, with a solitary assist his only goal contribution so far.
Dortmund value the german at around £22.5 Million, and as a player who is also known to be very versatile, a move to the Emirates could be a good opportunity for the 24-year-old to refine his form.
Arsenal will undoubtedly be looking for a cheap option, and Brandt could prove a shrewd addition for that amount of money.
Isco
Real Madrid appear to be looking to move Isco on this January, with the Spaniard only having started three games under Zidane this season.
With rumours circulating that Arsenal would like to take Isco on loan, it could be a low risk, high gain move for the gunners, with the playmakers’ wage their only expense.
But should he come in and impress, Arteta would undoubtedly try to keep the Spaniard in London.
Isco has mustered 55 assists and 51 goals in his time at Madrid, proving to not only be a great playmaker, but also a goal-scoring threat; something Arsenal have lacked for a long time.
With prices often inflating in the January market, this move would probably make the most financial sense for the gunners.
Emi Buendia
Buendia must be the most talked about Arsenal transfer target at the moment, and with good reason.
After suffering relegation with Norwich last season, the Argentine has managed seven goals and seven assists in only 19 games in the Championship.
However, Norwich have reportedly slapped a £40 Million price tag on the midfielder.
There is also a question mark over whether he can handle the step-up in quality, but he has certainly caught Mikel Arteta’s eye with some impressive performances regardless.
Buendia seems to be The Gunners’ favoured midfielder, and he could come in and make a serious impression at the Emirates, but is he worth the money?