Nabil Fekir
Back in March, Daily Star suggested that Arsenal were interested in signing Real Betis star Nabil Fekir in the summer to boost their midfield. However, no such talks have progressed in recent times.
Fekir, 26, is a product of Lyon’s academy. He played for 6 years with the club’s senior set-up. He established himself as one of the best playmakers during his time with Lyon. After 193 games for the French outfit, he made the switch to Real Betis in Spain last summer.
Since then, he has become one of the most significant members of the squad. He was also a part of the French squad which won the World Cup and is considered to be a great talent. The French midfielder has been brilliant this season. In 2019/20, Fekir made 33 appearances for the La Liga side, scoring 7 goals and providing 7 assists.
The midfield is something that Arteta should look to reinforce before next season. Joe Willock, Dani Ceballos and Mesut Ozil are the first-choice attack-minded midfielders. While Willock is still young, Ceballos is on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season. And Ozil has not been at his best, racking up just 1 goal and 3 assists across all competitions.
None of Arsenal’s midfielders is known for goalscoring abilities, which is something that the manager should address. Willock and Matteo Guendouzi haven’t yet opened their account in the league. Ozil has also struggled for form this season and this issue needs addressing.
To that end, adding Nabil Fekir to the squad would make a lot of sense for Arsenal. The former Lyon man has been in scintillating form in the past few seasons and has displayed his ability to contribute with goals and assists.
Given his ability, he would provide the Gunners with some much-needed threat from the midfield. He would also bring healthy competition within Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal’s lack of consistency in midfield is concerning. With Ceballos only on loan, they need to add depth to their midfield before the new season commences. Thus, reigniting their interest in the 26-year-old Fekir would be a wise decision by the club.