Arsenal is currently top of the English Premier League, looking to end the dominance of the last few years of Manchester City and Liverpool and re-establish themselves as one of the big clubs in England. The midfield duo of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey is arguably the tandem keeping Arsenal in the title race, rivaling their attack of Saka, Martinelli, and Nketiah.

The difference between Arsenal and the chasing pack is their depth in the middle of the park. With only Jorginho as a recognized Defensive Midfielder behind the two, whether they win the league or not they need to improve their depth this summer. Being linked with all sorts of players in that position, but who would be right for the Gunners?

A deal for Moises Caicedo was 90% complete in January when the player pleaded with Brighton both privately and publicly to let him join the Gunners but Tony Bloom stood firm and said “no” or at least “not now”. Brighton stood firm on their valuation of Caicedo, 21, requesting up to £90 million for his services, which deterred the North London giants from completing the deal.

Caicedo is the type of player to be able to cover both a deep position and a more advanced role as he does for Ecuador. However, this position in the team cannot be neglected for another season and they may have to break the bank for a player of Caicedo’s caliber and fend off interest from other teams in the Premiership.

TRANSFER FEE: £75 million

The England international has been tipped for a big move ever since 2018 when he legitimately broke onto the scene. Declan Rice, 24, has been trapped at West Ham, to say the least, with him wanting to leave for some time, and the Hammers unwilling to negotiate with any club. Things are different now though, Rice only has one year remaining on his contract and the London stadium, and losing a player of his level for free would be gut-wrenching.

Sources say that Arteta “cannot wait” for a player like that to be in his squad. Rice is the type of player who would step up into Partey’s spot when injured or suspended. The interest of clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool may become challenging for Arsenal.

TRANSFER FEE: £75 million

The England international has been tipped for a big move ever since 2018 when he legitimately broke onto the scene. Declan Rice, 24, has been trapped at West Ham, to say the least, with him wanting to leave for some time, and the Hammers unwilling to negotiate with any club. Things are different now though, Rice only has one year remaining on his contract and the London stadium, and losing a player of his level for free would be gut-wrenching.

Sources say that Arteta “cannot wait” for a player like that to be in his squad. Rice is the type of player who would step up into Partey’s spot when injured or suspended. The interest of clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool may become challenging for Arsenal.

TRANSFER FEE: £85 million

The interest in Tielemans has cooled over the last 12 months, however, he retains a firm interest in the Arsenal hierarchy. The 25-year-old Belgian midfielder is possibly the most versatile on this list, being adept to play as a holder, but thrives going forward. He has been determined in his thoughts to not renew his contract with Leicester as he feels he should be playing at a higher level.

Since Arsenal didn’t sign him in the summer of ‘22, more clubs have registered interest in the soon-to-be free agent, including money boys Newcastle United. Currently, Tielemans isn’t playing as he is recovering from an ankle injury.

TRANSFER FEE: £0 (FREE)

The French midfielder making waves in Germany is one for the future, that if any team picks up, will have an absolute gem. Kone turns 22 in May and just needs someone to nurture his talent. He is already in the category of a Jamal Musiala in terms of talent within the Bundesliga, however, playing at a club like Borussia Mönchengladbach doesn’t bring the media coverage like playing for Bayern Munich. The player is appreciated by the coaching staff at Arsenal and the hierarchy thinks he could be their next Patrick Viera, but it is yet to be known if Arsenal will bid.

TRANSFER FEE: £30 Million

Finally, no list would be complete without a wild card. When the name Enzo is mentioned, some would think of Fernandez, the golden boy from the World Cup, but no there is another. Le Fée isn’t a traditional number six like Partey, but can effectively become the new Granit Xhaka. With his extensive range of passing and awareness in creating chances, he could be the creative force needed to take a load off Martin Ødegaard. His only downside would be his lack of physicality to cope in the Premier League.

TRANSFER FEE: £18 Million

Some people would say that Arsenal already has midfield options such as Mo Elneny, Fabio Viera, or Albert Sambi Lokonga who is on loan at Crystal Palace, but those options aren’t good enough to compete for the title year in, and year out. Arsenal has a stellar attack and an impassable defense and goalkeeper so fixing the midfield has to be a priority this summer.