It’s no secret Arsenal have been in the market for a holding-midfielder ever since Alex Song was sold to Barcelona last summer.
No big-names appear to be leaving the Gunners this time around so they can focus on bringing in personnel to strengthen the side.
The void in the defensive midfield is something manager Arsene Wenger has been keen to fill after the side’s current choice, Abou Diaby, has suffered from recurring injuries which have seen him sidelined for extended periods of the last number of seasons.
Surprisingly, Arsenal could be looking to their London rivals Chelsea to enquire about three players – Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, and Ramires.
Mikel, 26, has been linked with a number of sides this summer, and Chelsea have hinted that they will sell the Nigerian international for the right price.
He’s deemed surplus to requirements with the Europa League winners, and even more so with Essien having returned from his loan spell at Real Madrid.
Michael Essien is another player Arsenal have been looking at, but his advancing age might put the Gunners off making an official bid.
The Ghanaian international will turn 31 this year, and with his ongoing injury problems, might not be a viable signing to make. A loan deal could be on the cards, but it’s very unlikely.
Ramires is said to be the most-fancied of options from Chelsea for Arsenal.
The box-to-box midfielder, who signed in 2010, has enjoyed a successful last two years with the London side. 26 years of age and a Brazilian international, Wenger has long-admired the Chelsea man, but will be forced to stump up around £20M for his services.
Arsene Wenger has promised Arsenal fans a big-name signing this summer, but still the supporters wait. There’s no doubt the side are lacking in the central midfield positions which will need to be addressed.
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