Despite having one of the best pass completion rates in the Premier League and being a master of maintaining possession, Mikel Arteta picked up his fair share of criticism last season.
The Arsenal midfielder is remarkably consistent and can be a game-winner on his day. But Arsene Wenger has tasked him with a role that sucks away all his attacking impetus, wastes his passing ability and tests his discipline.
The Professor has asked Mikel Arteta to play as Arsenal’s holding midfielder for two seasons now. This means that he needs to sit in front of the back-four, track runs, make interceptions and time his tackles well. When he’s in possession he needs to make sure that he doesn’t give the ball away carelessly and that he finds one of The Gunners more attacking-minded midfielders quickly.
When it comes to his defensive duties, I’m not sure that he’s Arsenal’s best possible option. He’s not the strongest midfielder in the world and he does tend to give away a large number of free kicks. I can’t help but feel that The Gunners need somebody with more of a physical presence.
According to The Metro, Athletic Bilbao are keen to replace their out-going midfielder, Ander Herrera. The man they’re looking to bring in is Mikel Arteta. The source suggests that a ‘£3m bid’ is ‘likely in the coming weeks’.
Given the big pay-out that Bilbao are receiving in return for Herrera, it’s difficult to see why they’re looking to sign a 32-year-old midfielder on the cheap. Can’t they afford to snap up a slightly more impressive (and therefore more expensive option)?
From Arsenal’s point of view, it hardly seems worth selling him for as little as £3m. Wouldn’t it make more sense to keep him as a squad player (despite noting some concerns earlier, I’m still aware that he’s an excellent option) and bring in a proper defensively-minded midfielder?
With all the commercial deals that Arsenal have signed in recent months, they don’t really need to sell here. Let’s just hope that Arsene Wenger is prepared to free Mikel Arteta up a little bit next season. I’d love to see him contributing more in the final third.
What’s your take? Where does the future lie for Mikel Arteta?
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Can’t they afford to snap up a slightly more impressive (and therefore more expensive option)?
I guess Athletic Club´s philosophy would give you the answer.
Cheers