ESP: FC Barcelona, Barca Elche CF. La Liga Santander. Miralem Pjanic of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF played at Camp Nou Stadium on February 24, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Copyright: xPRESSINPHOTOx PS_210224_1119
Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic is reportedly set to be allowed to leave the club just a year after joining them from Juventus.
A recent report by Marca has claimed that Pjanic is not part of Ronald Koeman’s plans for the 2021-22 season, and Barcelona are willing to rescind his contract.
Barcelona are currently in a financial mess and are ready to let go of several players. Premier League sides Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in signing Pjanic, while Juventus are also keen to bring him back to Italy.
Arsenal should also enter the race to sign him in the current transfer window. Here are 3 reasons why.
#1 Replacement for Granit Xhaka
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka could leave the club this summer. Italian side Roma have been linked with a move for the Swiss captain. Xhaka’s departure will leave a big hole in the Gunners midfield as the 28-year-old added tenacity, leadership, and experience at the middle of the park.
Pjanic could slot in straight into the Gunners starting XI and take Xhaka’s place in the team. The 31-year-old could be a good fit alongside Thomas Partey.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international’s passing and crossing, leadership, and tackling could help the Gunners be solid in the middle of the park. Pjanic keeps the ball well, is good from set-piece situations, and is a composed figure in midfield.
#2 Few central midfield options
Arsenal desperately need to add one or two first-team midfielders before the start of the season. Dani Ceballos has returned to Real Madrid following his loan spell and it’s unlikely that he will return.
With Xhaka also set to leave, manager Mikel Arteta has just a few options in central midfield. Lucas Torreira wants to return to Italy and Matteo Guendouzi is set to leave the club as he is no longer in Arteta’s plans.
That leaves the Spanish manager with Joe Willock, Mohamed Elneny and last summer’s signing Thomas Partey. Willock had a good spell on loan at Newcastle United and could be a useful player, but it’s too early for him to be a first-team regular. Elneny, meanwhile, is a squad player, at best.
#3 Should be available for a low fee
Barcelona want to reduce their wage bill and have put several first-team players up for sale. Pjanic is on Barcelona’s transfer list, which means that he should be available for a cheap fee.
Pjanic, who was regarded as one of the best in the world in his position just a few years ago, will add depth and talent to the Arsenal squad while also giving them the funds to strengthen other areas of the pitch.
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