Why John Fleck would be a brilliant addition to Arsenal’s squad
According to Football Insider (h/t Daily Mail), Arsenal will have to pay £20m if they are to snap up midfielder John Fleck from Sheffield United in the summer.
The report also claims that Sheffield United have admitted that they risk losing the impressive Fleck in the summer but have no intention of a mid-season move as they look to continue their surge up the table.
However, Mikel Arteta is ready to offer the Scotsman a chance to play at a higher level but he has been told that he will be available only if the Gunners splash £20m, as per Football Insider (h/t Daily Mail).
Meanwhile, Arteta’s men are enduring a decent spell after failing miserably in the first half of the season. Their defensive unit has let them down with a string of unacceptable performances despite recruiting Brazilian ace David Luiz in the summer. They have conceded 34 goals in the league so far, which is enough to prove their inconsistency at the back.
At the same time, their attacking unit has put in hard work and since Arteta replaced his compatriot, the Gunners front line has put in bigger shifts. Especially with Gabriel Martinelli coming to the fore and Nicolas Pepe becoming more lively, things are looking good.
Speaking of central midfielders in their ranks, Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock are the players available at the manager’s disposal. And Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos hasn’t been preferred by Arteta. Joe Willock is an attacking midfielder by trade and hence it’s safe to say that there is a lack of depth in central midfield.
Therefore, if the Gunners are to be at the top of their game, they must sign an experienced in-form midfielder. And Sheffield United’s John Fleck would be a great choice.
Fleck, 28, came through the ranks of Scottish giants Rangers’ youth system. He has immense experience in English football, having played for Blackpool and Coventry. He then moved to Bramall Lane in the summer of 2016 and was a crucial member in the Blades’ promotion to the top-flight.
The Scotland international has made over 160 appearances for Sheffield United, contributing with 13 goals and 41 assists over the last four seasons.
Fleck has already scored 5 goals this campaign, including crucial ones against Manchester United in a 3-3 draw at home and Arteta’s side this month. He was impressive against the Gunners, scoring the equalizer just seven minutes before the final whistle.
After struggling in his final season with Rangers, a move to England has helped him revive his career at Bramall Lane. And if he moves to the Emirates in the summer, he would add quality and experience to the side.
Verdict
Arsenal’s midfield could do with a player like Fleck, as he is often busy all over the pitch – evident from the game against the Red Devils. Therefore, Arsenal should make a prompt attempt to sign the 28-year-old in the summer and improve their squad for the next season.
