Arsenal plot new playmaker signing after Martin Odegaard twist – Insider
Arsenal are working on potential deals to sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window amid concerns about their strength in depth.
This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Gunners will prioritise adding depth to their squad in January.
As things stand, the recruitment team’s focus is thought to be on signing a creative-minded midfielder to provide an alternative Martin Odegaard, with work ongoing to find new options.
The 26-year-old started on the bench during the 3-2 Carabao Cup win against Crystal Palace, but came on at half-time with Palace 1-0 up to solve the Gunners’ creative issues.
As a result, they are expected to move for a new option in January who will allow Arteta to rest Odegaard more regularly.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 17 December that Thomas Partey could be allowed to leave the club as they have no plans to renew his deal as things stand.
The 31-year-old’s departure would only strengthen the need to add depth to Mikel Arteta’s squad as he has covered both midfield and defence so far this season.
Arsenal plotting to sign Martin Odegaard alternative in January
Brown first told Football Insider in September that Arsenal were scouring the transfer market to find potential depth options in midfield.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted they are putting plan in place to have adequate cover in every position, with midfield the priority.
“The midfield has become a priority for them,” he told Football Insider.
“Arsenal are assessing their current situation and making a judgement, based on where they are, about the possibilities if players get injured.
“That’s been a big concern for Arsenal this season, when they’ve missed key players there is a noticeable difference because the quality drops.
“When Odegaard was injured earlier this season, they lacked their creative spark in midfield.
“He plays almost every game for them when fit because they can’t afford to leave him out.
“So they’ll look for creative options in midfield because there is a lack of them, they’ve got a few solid players but nobody that can do what Odegaard does.
“They’re always looking and considering how to strengthen their squad both for rotation and in case they suffer any unexpected injuries.
“That’s what the scouting system is for, they’re always looking for potential alternatives.”
In other news, Arsenal scouts regularly watching Dusan Vlahovic.
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