Enis Bardhi has established himself as a key figure at Levante (Getty Images)
As per Spanish radio Onda Cero (h/t Daily Mail), Arsenal have made a bid for Levante midfielder Enis Bardhi ahead of the summer transfer window.
Bardhi, 24, came through the ranks of FC Shkupi in North Macedonia and Brondby IF in Norway. In August 2014, he moved to Hungary with Ujpest FC, where he made a name for himself. He went on to make 94 appearances for the Hungarian outfit, scoring 22 goals and providing 13 assists before moving to Spain with Levante in the summer of 2017.
Since his arrival in Levante, he has established himself as a key player, making 96 appearances to date for the La Liga outfit. He has been one of the best players in the squad and his impressive performances have also attracted attention from Fiorentina and an unnamed Bundesliga club, as per the report.
Apart from a defensive signing, Arteta should also focus on strengthening the midfield. At this time, the Gunners have only two attacking midfielders in their ranks. Mesut Ozil has been terribly out of form while Joe Willock is slowly becoming a regular in Arteta’s squad.
Dani Ceballos plays as a No.8 and is creative going forward. However, he should be on his way back to Spain after his loan spell comes to an end. Thus, signing a midfielder would be a wise decision by the club.
Arsenal lack a reliable creative midfielder in their ranks. Mesut Ozil is a top-quality player but he has failed miserably of late. This slump in form creates a window of opportunity for a new attacking midfielder to come in and deliver the goods.
In that regard, Bardhi would be a fantastic signing for the club. In his final season for Ujpest FC, the North Macedonian managed to score 12 goals and 7 assists in 29 league games and continued with the fine form in his debut season in La Liga, scoring 9 goals. This term, he has 4 goals and 3 assists in 26 league games.
The North Macedonian’s consistency and ability to score from midfield could be positive for the Gunners. He could add depth to the squad, whilst also bringing healthy competition.
With limited options in the middle of the park, Arsenal are in need of midfielders. And Bardhi, who is just 24, could be a good addition. He could be a valuable player for the Gunners if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown in the past few years.