Why Arsenal need a playmaker like Nabil Fekir
According to Daily Star (h/t Daily Express), Arsenal have made an approach for Real Betis playmaker Nabil Fekir.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder recently moved to Betis last summer for a sum of £18million and has been an instant hit since arriving in Spain. The French playmaker has scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists in 22 La Liga games for Betis in his maiden season for the Spanish side, attracting the eye of Premier League side Arsenal.
Fekir was earlier close to a move to Arsenal’s rivals Liverpool two years back after his excellent displays for former side Lyon. However, no deal materialised due to the Fekir’s previous fitness woes, resulting in the player staying in France itself.
His move to Spain last summer has now once again put him in the limelight after impressing for Betis this season. He has played in a variety of positions. Having played 193 matches for former side Lyon, with an eye-catching 69 goals and 46 assists to his name, there is no questioning the Frenchman’s talent.
In Fekir, Arsenal will have a goal-scoring midfielder in the side
Meanwhile, the report also claims that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expected to sign a new midfielder on a permanent basis by the end of the season. They have identified Fekir as a suitable candidate.
Moreover, with loan star Dani Ceballos expected to return to his parent club Real Madrid at the end of the season, the Gunners are clearly in need of a new goal-scoring midfielder. The poor form of veteran playmaker Mesut Ozil is also a cause of concern for Arsenal, who have endured a difficult campaign in the league so far.
The Arteta-led side have fallen to a lowly 9th in the league table this season, giving indications that the side is clearly in need of a proven performer like Fekir.
The 31-year-old Ozil has suffered a dip in form in recent times and has managed just one goal and two assists this season, showing clear signs of ageing. Also, the German veteran remains the side’s only playmaker, meaning Fekir’s arrival will be a blessing for the struggling Gunners.
Having proved his mettle already at Lyon and now in his first season with Betis, Fekir seems to be the right candidate to ease Arsenal’s woes in the midfield. Hence, the Gunners should quickly make a move for them if they wish to climb the table at least next season.
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Verdict
Arsenal have endured a difficult campaign this season in the league, which is evident from their performances this season. A proven performer in all the sides that he has played, Fekir’s arrival will only bolster Arteta’s squad next season.
