Five replacements for the injured Santi Cazorla at Arsenal
Published:
Matt Haynes | December 3, 2015
With Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla ruled out for three months, it leaves the Gunners, 10/3 with Coral to win the Premier League, considerably short in midfield, going into a crucial period of the season.
Prior to Christmas, Arsenal have Premier League games against Aston Villa and Manchester City and will be looking to come through those unscathed.
As a result of their latest injury problem, Coral suggest five possible replacements for the Spaniard, with the January transfer window just around the corner.
Lars Bender
Not exactly the same kind of player, he can occupy one of the roles in the double pivot and has been linked recently. Whether he is the type of midfielder that Arsene Wenger would go for remains to be seen, though Bayer Leverkusen’s willingness to sell their top stars seems to have softened recently.
“Bayer Leverkusen can’t be as arrogant to say that we are creating world stars and they will retire here,” said chairman Michael Schade.
“If we are able to create a world star or top player, then one day this player wants to play for one of the top [clubs in the world], of course.”
Ruben Neves
Wenger is reportedly a huge fan of the 18-year-old Porto starlet, while new Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp remains keen. A cross between a deep-lying playmaker and defensive midfielder, the Portuguese metronome has the requisite talent to succeed at the Emirates for years to come, though Arsenal would have to move fast.
James McArthur
The Gunners are reportedly lining up a £7m January bid for one of Crystal Palace’s standout performers this term, to make up for the shortfall in midfield. At 28, he has the requisite experience and can provide balance and calm to the Arsenal side.
Isco
While he is similar in style to Cazorla, if Wenger signs him, it is unlikely that the Real Madrid man will be asked to occupy the deeper role. However, the 23-year-old has an abundance of potential and would provide ample support to Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the Arsenal attack.
Ismael Bennacer
Is the answer under Wenger’s nose? The 18-year-old was signed from Arles-Avignon in the summer and is an accomplished passer of the ball, having established himself as a creative midfielder. He looked good in his one senior appearance, despite Arsenal losing their Capital One Cup clash against Sheffield Wednesday, and Wenger will have been encouraged by his performance.
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