Tuesday night saw Arsenal take on MK dons in their penultimate game before the community shield against Liverpool on Saturday.

Last night saw the return of Mohamed Elneny who started and scored the opening goal in the 4-1 win at Stadium MK.

The Egyptian international made his first appearance for the Gunners since May 2019, having spent last season on loan at Besiktas, before returning to the Emirates last week.

Yet Elneny’s return to North London could prove to be short-lived, as boss Mikel Arteta looks to reshape his midfield. The midfielder is likely to return to Turkey sooner rather than later.

Lucas Torreira is rumoured to be ‘top of the list’ for Milan this summer, followed by reports this morning that 21 year old Matteo Guendouzi is being lined up for a possible move to the French capital with PSG.

Versatile Ainsley Maitland-Niles is also set to join Wolves.

Where does this leave Arsenal’s midfield?

With the only Granit Xhaka and Joe Willock suitable for the central midfield position, Arteta and Arsenal need to make some additions to the side before the transfer window shuts on October 4th.

With the start of a new Premier League season only weeks away, Arsenal need to move quickly.

But with lockdown restrictions imposed both abroad and here in the UK only time will tell what business can get done.

Arsenal were rumoured to be keen on landing Atletico midfielder Thomas Partey, however according to reports this morning that deal seems to be dead in the water.

Lyon reportedly rejecting Arsenals bid for Houssem Aouar.

With so many outgoings, it leaves Arsenal vulnerable in the middle of the park.

Its appears Arteta needs to move players out before new names come in but times running out to fill what seems and ever widening void.

If Arsenal are to start challenging at the top table of English football again, we need structure.

The trimming down of scouts and the departure of Raul Sanllehi can only be viewed as positive steps.

Arteta and Edu have the strangle hold on who comes in and out the door at the Emirates. The impending and drawn out arrival of Gabriel from Lille will strengthen a new look back line. But it is the midfield where Arsenal are extremely light.

The midfield is the engine of the team.

It needs to be moving the ball from defence to attack in seconds as was a given in the late 90’s early 2000s under Wenger.

The next few weeks are key and who walks through and out the door is more important now then in recent memory.

Dave

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