Arsenal have already signed 4 players this summer however many question their options for the holding midfield role. Despite having new-skipper Arteta, 30 year-old Mathieu Flamini, Francis Coquelin and England international Jack Wilshere available to play in the defensive-midfield role, fans have been screaming for an experienced CDM who can provide strong cover for the often weak Arsenal defense. With Wenger open to the option of buying more players, who are the 5 best CDMs available for Arsene Wenger to buy?
Sami Khedira - 27 years old - Real Madrid
The World-Cup and Champions-League winner is more than capable of becoming Arsenal's new anchorman in midfield and, at the age of 27, is approaching his prime years as a footballer. The question is; will or would Madrid manager Ancelotti allow Khedira to leave? Rumours state that the German international is valued at £25million by the Spanish giants and after recently splashing-the-cash on James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos, it would make sense for the club to be looking to clear some of their debt. With that being said, would Wenger himself be looking to spend £25million on a player after already spending around £60million on 4 players this Summer?
Possibility of signing: 50%
William Carvalho - 22 years old - Sporting Lisbon
Portugese midfielder William Carvalho has recently grabbed attention from fans after an impressive season with Sporting Lisbon. Carvalho is compared with the likes of YayaToure and Patrick Vieira for his stature, strength and tackling. Carvalho can also play as a centre back as well as in the holding position which may encourage Wenger especially after the recent sale of Vermaelen to Barcelona. A chunky asking price, however, of £26million may hault Wenger from signing the young and 6foot 1inch powerhouse despite his potential.
Possibility of signing: 50%
Lars Bender - 25 years old - Bayer Leverkusen
German international Lars Bender- and twin of Borussia Dortmund defensive midfielder Sven Bender - is known not only for his great defensive work but also for his vision and passing.A central midfielder with these qualities would normally entice Wenger as it suits the playing style of Arsenal however, Wenger already has similar players in the likes of Wilshere and Arteta and is presumably looking for a player more like Flamini, just younger and less aggressive. Although rumours have linked Bender with Arsenal, it seems unlikely at this time.
Possibility of signing: 25%
Morgan Schneiderlin - 24years old - Southampton
French anchorman Schneiderlin is one of the last talents at Southampton who has not been sold yet. Recent sales of Shaw, Lallana, Chambers and Lambert suggest with the right offer, Schneiderlin could definitely leave the Saints. The South-England side would however be asking for a lot of money for one of their remaining stars whilst Wenger has also publicly denied interest in the 24 year old. Nevertheless, Schneiderlin is Premier League proven, strong and very defensive and should Wenger be in for him, he would tick all the boxes.
Possibilty of signing: 50-75%
Blaise Matuidi - 27 years old - PSG
French midfielder Matuidi possesses strength, power, pace, vision and the art of perfectly timed tackles. Like Khedira he is entering his prime years and would fit perfectly into an Arsenal side which already features French teammates Giroud, Koscielny and Debuchy. Like Bender however, Matuidi is not the tallest and can tend to push forward alot which may discourage Wenger from signing either of them. Nevertheless, his high workrates and defensive qualities overpower this and with the possibility of Di Maria joining the French champions, money may need to be made via the selling of players such as Matuidi.
Possibility of signing: 50%
Above are 5 players who have been linked with and more importantly could realistically join the Gunners but, with Wenger's secretive style of operating in the transfer market, a different defensive midfielder could already be in talks with the club and the public wouldn't even know. The question is now not 'will Arsene sign a CDM' but 'who?'