Arsenal are a team in crisis, sitting 15th in the table, with the possibility of going 16th if Burnley win their game in hand, and are just four points off the relegation zone with the visit of Chelsea to come next.
One of the standout reasons for the Gunners’ demise this season has been the lack of creativity, with the Premier League squad not containing a single senior attacking midfielder, and this has led to Mikel Arteta needing to find other ways to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Unfortunately, the Spaniard has struggled to do so.
These changes have included crossing the ball more often, even though there are no players in the squad who thrive off those deliveries and playing players out of their natural positions in an attempt to use formations that could provide more of a creative spark.
Mikel Arteta has used Joe Willock, a box to box midfielder, Alexandre Lacazette, a striker, and Willian, a winger, in the attacking midfield role this season, making it clear that the young manager is desperate for someone who is able to play in that position.
However, with finances stricken due to a global pandemic and a possible relegation battle looming this season, Arsenal’s options in this area are limited, although one man who could help solve Arteta’s problems in this position is Emi Buendia.
The Argentinian midfielder has been a crucial part of Norwich City’s team this season, scoring six and assisting seven in 20 EFL Championship games. Whilst Buendia is played predominantly on the right, he is also capable of playing in the centre of the pitch, with the 23-year-old possessing superb dribbling and passing ability.
Buendia is also a creative machine, as according to Sky Sports, no player in England’s top two leagues has created more chances than the Argentinian over the past two-and-a-half seasons, with the 23-year-old creating an astounding 220 goal-scoring opportunities in that time, 12 more than the Premier League’s best, Kevin de Bruyne.
Some may feel underwhelmed by Buendia’s possible arrival at the Emirates, with the Gunners almost sealing a deal for Houssem Aouar in the summer, however, given the club’s current circumstances, there are not many better options on the market.
The 23-year-old is the exact profile the club need to be looking at if they want to improve their attacking woes before relegation becomes a real possibility, however, given Buendia’s importance to his current club, it won’t necessarily be easy to prise the midfielder away.
*All stats provided by Transfermarkt, unless stated otherwise.
