Arsenal battled to a 0-0 draw away at Atalanta in their opening Champions League game, with it clear that they will miss Martin Odegaard’s creativity.
Odegaard is set to be sidelined for a while in a huge blow for Mikel Arteta, who attempted to find a solution by bringing Kai Havertz back into the midfield, with Gabriel Jesus coming in as a striker against Atalanta.
However, Jesus suffered a frustrating night whilst Havertz was far from his best, and Arsenal could not find the creativity or composure that Odegaard brings in abundance.
In the long-term, Arteta could look to make a superstar signing in his midfield who could even play alongside Odegaard, and one title-winning sensation looks to be the perfect fit.
Owen Hargreaves claims Mikel Arteta would love Florian Wirtz at Arsenal
Whilst Arsenal failed to score in their Champions League opener, it was a different story for Bayer Leverkusen, as they hit four away at Feyenoord.
German midfielder Florian Wirtz scored twice on his Champions League debut, after a stellar campaign last season saw him lift the Bundesliga title alongside Granit Xhaka.
Wirtz is an advanced number 10, but in the long run, he could become a midfielder who drops deeper and controls possession.
Speaking to TNT Sports, former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves claimed that Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester City could all be interested in Wirtz.
“If you think about Toni [Kroos] leaving Real Madrid, I think he could go there, he could learn that role,” Hargreaves stated.
“Toni started as a ten then gradually worked back. I think Florian [Wirtz] could eventually be a controller of the game.
“I can see him at [Man] City or Real [Madrid]. I’m sure Mikel [Arteta] would love him at Arsenal too, he’s that good. He makes every team better. He is a ten, but I just think he’s so smart that he can play anywhere.”
Is Florian Wirtz out of reach for Arsenal?
The German International could be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer window next summer, and if Real Madrid and Man City are interested, signing him could be difficult.
It was recently reported that Leverkusen would demand £128m for the 21-year-old, and this would likely need to come down to give Arsenal a chance of signing him.
Arsenal could be of appeal to Wirtz though, and in the long-run, he could be the perfect option alongside Odegaard and Declan Rice, whilst also having the ability to play further forward. If Arteta is interested in him, Wirtz would likely entertain an offer from the Gunners, who are competing for major honours.
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