Arsenal are seemingly keen on bringing a new midfielder in during the January transfer window, and one of their best-ever players in the position has revealed what the club plan to do.
Gilberto Silva was one of the best defensive midfielders the club has had and was a crucial part of the Invincibles side alongside fellow Brazil international and current sporting director Edu Gaspar.
The World Cup winner has now confirmed that Arsenal are indeed interested in adding another midfielder to their ranks in January, amidst Thomas Partey’s injury issues.
Gilberto Silva reveals Arsenal’s transfer plans
Speaking to The Mirror, Gilberto stated that Arsenal are in the market for a midfielder, and that the club will need to be smart with their recruitment.
“I heard that they were maybe looking for some midfielders especially because of Partey being injured at times,” he claimed.
“I’m not sure if it’s 100 percent going to happen but obviously, they have to be aware that this is a very short window and very specific.
“You have to be like a fisherman sometimes, to grab the right player that you really need that’s going to help you to win games and to be useful for the rest of the season. Also to improve the way you play.
“It’s not about sometimes bringing a player because you need [them]. Speaking to people there, Edu many times, they are working hard to have the data and what they think is right for the club in terms of targets.
“The market is very competitive as well, sometimes you have to be fast and not lose the opportunity.”
Arsenal’s midfield transfer targets
Arsenal have been targeting Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, but a deal in January now looks unlikely.
The same goes for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with a deal difficult to do despite his release clause, and it appears that Arsenal will be targeting cheaper players.
There have been links with Andre and Pablo Maia in Brazil, whilst Joao Neves from Benfica has also been scouted.
Mikel Arteta and Edu are seemingly keen on adding a midfielder who can play alongside Declan Rice, either at the base of midfield or as a ‘number eight’, to help replace what Granit Xhaka brought to the middle of the park with his defensive contributions as well as his forward passing.
Arsenal will have to be smart in the market to find a low-priced, younger option who can have an instant impact in the team, but it will not be easy to find value in the winter window.
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