Can Idrissa Gueye help solve Arsenal’s defensive issues alongside Lucas Torreira?
Sky Sports reported earlier that Everton and Idrissa Gueye are at an impasse with the 29-year-old having submitted a transfer request to leave amidst interest from PSG and the Toffees having rejected it.
The BBC reported that Arsenal and Manchester City have also entered the race for Gueye’s signature but the fact that Sky Sports are claiming that the midfield beast will not leave the Merseyside today would come as a blow to these clubs. However, Arsenal should target a summer move for the 29-year-old as he’s someone they could use.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Idrissa Gueye has been at his very best for Everton, which is part of the reason why the Goodison Park side does not want to let him go. However, with PSG looking for a replacement for the outgoing Adrien Rabiot, losing Idrissa Gueye will be one of the biggest blows Everton could ever face. But that being said, Arsenal should be the side going after the Senegalese international.
An elegant mixture of tactical, defensive and offensive abilities, Idrissa Gueye would be a great option to have at the base of Arsenal manager Unai Emery’s midfield trio.
While Granit Xhaka has been the preferred option as a holding midfielder, the Swiss international’s lack of pace and defensive frailties have been among the many reasons why the Gunners have suffered. However, with the addition of Lucas Torreira over the summer, Arsenal added a bit of bite to their midfield but it isn’t enough.
Adding in Gueye however, could be the perfect combination of players to help the Gunners move forward and alongside Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, the Senegalese would flourish. Not to mention, the 29-year-old has outdone all three of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders in N’Golo Kante, Wilfred Ndidi and Lucas Torreira himself when it comes to defensive stats this season.
The Senegalese averages a stunning 3.9 tackles per game and has more blocks, interceptions and tackles than any of the aforementioned trio. That combined with Gueye’s ability to move the ball forward rapidly and accurately after winning it makes him a brilliant asset for any team that does acquire him.
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However, what may be a roadblock in the deal for Arsenal is the fact that he’s 29 years old and isn’t getting any younger. But if Idrissa Gueye can adapt to his age and transform himself as he loses his speed and agility, then he will be a fantastic investment for Arsenal.
