Arsenal are eyeing a move for Leicester City defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in the January transfer window, it has been claimed.
The Gunners, who recently appointed Mikel Arteta as their manager, have had a terrible season so far, and their squad is in dire need of fresh faces.
As per a report by Leicester Mercury, the north London side could tempt Leicester City to let go of their key player by offering £40 million as well as Granit Xhaka in exchange. Xhaka was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy earlier this season after a row with his own fans.
Ndidi joined the Foxes from Belgian side Genk in the January 2017 transfer window, and has gone on to become one of the best defensive midfielders in England.
The Nigerian international, who recently turned 23, has four and a half years remaining on his current deal at Leicester, having signed an extension last season.
Ndidi has made over 120 appearances for Leicester after joining them in 2017, and has been an integral part of Brendan Rodgers’ impressive Leicester side this season.
Can Wilfred Ndidi solve Arsenal’s midfield conundrum?
Arsenal have been crying out for solid defenders and defensive midfielders in their starting XI for a while now.
The Gunners have been woeful at the back, and need to sign two new centre-backs and at least one midfielder. Ndidi will certainly help solidify this current Arsenal midfield that has lacked leadership, character, and defensive ability.
Although Arsenal’s defending has been diabolical more often than not, they do need better protection, something that a good defensive midfield can offer.
Ndidi ended last season with most tackles in the league, while he is second behind teammate Ricardo Pereira in the tackles chart this season.
The 23-year-old is not just a good tackler, but also averages high interceptions, making 2.9 interceptions per game in the league on average. The Leicester star has provided very good security to his team’s backline which has resulted in Brendan Rodgers’ side conceding just 14 goals this season – the least in the league.
The Gunners should try everything in their power to land Ndidi, but it is highly unlikely that the Foxes will let go of him that easily, especially in the January transfer window.
He can form a good partnership with Mattéo Guendouzi in the middle of the park, who is yet another exciting young player.
