Arsenal linked with tireless Premier League midfielder: Should Emery make a move?

Arsenal are interested in signing Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi who is tied down at the King Power Stadium until 2024.

According to a report on Manchester Evening News, the Nigerian International has been on the radar of one too many top six Premier League clubs in Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, all keen on attaining the services of the 22-year-old.

Ndidi who is flattered by the interest is on national team duty with Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations.

The Foxes midfielder managed 2 goals and a single assist in 40 appearances for the club across all competitions in the recently concluded campaign.

Should the Gunners make a move?

Ndidi is a versatile player who predominantly features as a defensive midfielder and can move into the central midfield role or as a centre-back if the manager requires.

The right-footed midfielder boasts a 6ft frame and uses his physicality to run the show in the centre of the pitch. He has a tremendous work rate and is relentless over the course of the 90 minutes.

Ndidi’s fitness levels also stand apart from most players out there with the 22-year-old playing every single one of the 38 games in the English top-flight.

The Nigerian International averaged 2.3 interceptions, 2.1 clearances, 3.9 tackles and 3.6 aerial duels won per game across all competitions which highlight his anticipation and awareness skills on the football field.

His robust style of play and solidity to protect the Leicester back four has caught the attention of many football fans and pundits alike.

Apart from his defensive prowess, the Leicester midfielder hasn’t shown the same zeal going forward as he has in the defensive phases of the game. However, his pass success rate of 80% and 2.5 long balls per 90 minutes makes up for his offensive nous on certain occasions.

But a misfiring Mesut Ozil and the departure of Aaron Ramsey is about to hit the north London club and their shambolic performances in the latter stages of last season are a testament to that.

Money spent on Ndidi seems silly when you look at the Gunners dressing room which already boasts of a plethora of defensive midfielders in Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi while Elneny is also an option.

A replacement for the Welshman and one or two centre-back signings seem to be the need of the hour and Emery will do well by not going fishing for defensive midfielders who are likely to eat up all the budget the Gunners have apparently set.

Stat Courtesy: Whoscored, Transfermarkt