Matty Longstaff (R) and Andy Carroll (L) on the left celebrate. (Getty Images)
According to TEAMtalk (h/t The Daily Mirror), Arsenal are among a host of clubs eyeing a move for Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff.
Matty Longstaff, 20, burst onto the scene this season and has made 12 appearances for Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United. He’s scored three goals across all competitions, including two in the Premier League against Manchester United – both home and away.
However, the midfielder will be out of contract in June and has so far failed to agree on new terms with the Magpies and he is now ready to walk away from the club at the end of the season. Arsenal will face competition to land Longstaff’s signature, with seven other clubs keen to sign him on a free transfer, the report adds. (h/t The Daily Mirror)
With the North London club teetering at ninth place on the table, their chances of securing a Champions League spot thus looks grimmer. Looking at their squad, Arteta must reinforce his midfield options during the summer transfer window.
Though the Gunners have looked better than before, they still have problems in midfield. The team has just two defensive midfielders in Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka. Torreira has been ruled out currently due to an ankle injury and is not expected to return to the squad until May. Xhaka, meanwhile, has been a consistent performer under Arteta, nailing down his place in the team.
With Joe Willock, Matteo Guendouzi and loanee Dani Ceballos the only other options in the central midfield department, Arteta must add to that area by signing Matty Longstaff.
Longstaff is a versatile player who naturally plays in a holding role but can also operate in a more advanced role or on the right. He has performed well in what is his breakthrough season and can develop his game under Arteta, who himself was a midfielder in his playing days.
The Englishman is a talented player with the potential to improve further. He would add quality to Arsenal’s midfield, whilst bringing competition within the squad.
All in all, Longstaff would be a valuable addition to the Gunners’ midfield ranks if he shows quality. And on a potential free transfer this summer, he would be a smart acquisition for Arteta.
