Arsenal produced a terrible performance against Southampton in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
The Gunners dominated parts of the game, but they looked so open at the back, which is very uncharacteristic because of how good their defence usually is.
The problem, however, was not the defenders. It was the lack of a proper defensive structure in the absence of both Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
The game against Southampton showed everyone the hole Arsenal have in their midfield when their two star men don’t start.
Sandro Tonali solves that issue.
Who was the worst performer for Arsenal against Southampton?
Why Arsenal want to sign Sandro Tonali is clear after Southampton clash
Christian Norgaard started for Arsenal as the defensive midfielder, with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz playing in a more advanced role either side of him.
On paper, that looks like a really attacking midfield, but the reality is that it cost Arsenal defensively.
Yes, both Odegaard and Havertz work their socks off for the team, and their work rate with and without the ball cannot be questioned.
However, Norgaard just isn’t good enough to dominate the midfield on his own – in and out of possession – in such a formation, and that was clear to see in the FA Cup on Saturday.
That could well be the reason why Arsenal are looking at midfield reinforcements this summer, as a player who is on a similar level as Rice and Zubimendi is needed when one or both of them are unavailable.
The links between Tonali and the Gunners make a lot of sense now, as the Italian is a top-class midfielder who is more than capable of bossing the midfield on his own.
Norgaard was a decent signing to replace Jorginho at Arsenal, but it is clear to see that he is not at the level to play consistently in Arteta’s system.
That is why we expect the Gunners to sign an upgrade in the summer, and Tonali could be the one.
You pick: Arsenal’s best midfield trio if Tonali signed would be _________ + _________ + _________
Sandro Tonali checks a lot of boxes for Arsenal
The Tonali links were confusing when they first emerged because of Rice and Zubimendi’s presence in Arsenal’s midfield, but it all makes sense now.
We think the Italian would be an excellent signing for multiple reasons.
Tonali is excellent on the ball and shares Jorginho’s ability to create chances from a deeper role. His passing is very good, and he has the ability to find his teammates even if they are far away.
Furthermore, Tonali knows the Premier League really well now, having played over 100 games for Newcastle United since moving to England.
All of the above traits make him the perfect player for Arsenal this summer, but whether Andrea Berta can convince Newcastle to let him go for a reasonable fee remains to be seen.
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