Arsenal facing midfield shortage
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are facing something of a midfield shortage this January.
Both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are away at the Africa Cup of Nations until at least the end of January, leaving the Gunners with just Granit Xhaka, new signing Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as their senior options in the centre of the pitch.
Charlie Patino, meanwhile, could see more action than the 10 senior minutes he has been afforded thus far.
SWINDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: Charlie Patino of Arsenal looks on as he warms up prior to the Papa John’s Trophy match between Swindon Town and Arsenal U21 at County Ground on September 07, 2021 in Swindon, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
This could prove even more true amid recent developments.
Midfield Man “cleared to depart”
Yesterday, news broke that Roma had submitted an official bid for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, on the basis of a loan move with an option to buy in the summer transfer window.
? Roma have now submitted bid to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan with buy option in summer. Arsenal yet to reply. #ASRoma want him asap or will pursue other targets. 24yo only interested in Roma or minded to stay at #AFC (contract 2023) @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/hBks95Wrv0
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 3, 2022
24 hours later, it seems as though Arsenal have now replied. As per the reliable Sami Mokbel of The Daily Mail, Arsenal have cleared the midfielder to depart the club, and are set to respond in the next day.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles cleared to leave Arsenal for Roma this month. Arsenal set to respond to Roma’s offer of a loan deal with a view to a permanent move in the summer in next 24 hours. No final agreement yet, but moving in the right direction. Story shortly on @MailSport
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) January 4, 2022
Does this signal that Arsenal will be bringing in another midfielder this January?
