Arsenal being linked with signing a defensive midfielder for an entire summer before opting for a tricky 'No.10' has almost become a running joke in itself.
Unfortunately for Gunners fans, Arsene Wenger has avoided the issue of recruiting an enforcer year after year, and is at risk of doing so again thanks to the emergence of Francis Coquelin. If Arsenal are to win the title, a new defensive midfielder must be the top of their priorities to avoid any risk of Mathieu Flamini wearing an Arsenal shirt within 100 miles of a football pitch again!
Here are FIVE possible options that Arsenal could pursue...
William Carvalho
Fresh from a brilliant tournament with the Portuguese Under 21s, Carvalho is one of the younger options open to Wenger.
The 6ft. 2" defensive midfield player can also cover in central defence, which would add extra depth if Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker were to suffer with injuries once more.
Hard in the tackle and already playing like someone far beyond his 23-years-of-age, Carvalho would be the ideal base to Arsenal’s extremely talented midfield. Carvalho’s age also means he fits perfectly with Wenger’s blueprint for signings.
John Obi Mikel
Having spent the majority of his career with London rivals Chelsea, Mikel is unlikely to be a popular option for anyone at the Emirates Stadium.
The Nigerian has developed the sort of experience in his time at Stamford Bridge that puts him far ahead of Coquelin, whilst his role in Chelsea’s run to the Champions League glory cannot be underestimated.
Still only 28, Mikel has several years left at the top and his calm approach to midfield play would work nicely to control the tempo of games and cover for potential counter attacks.
Javi Martinez
As a Spaniard working under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich it is hard to see why you would want to transfer clubs. However, the offer of more money and a greater challenge may be enough for Arsenal to lure Martinez to England.
The guarantee of minutes would be a huge attraction and Martinez could be a magnificent signing for Arsenal. 26-years-old, the ex-Athletic Bilbao ace could feasibly have a decade left at the top of his game and would be a real game-changing capture for the Gunners.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Links with Schneiderlin have been going on for over 12 months now and the Saints man is still a very popular option among Arsenal fans.
Some have displayed concerns about his ability on the ball and questioned if he is capable of playing as a controlling man in a deeper position, but his signing would still provide an elite option capable of playing as a defensive midfielder.
The Frenchman will not leave the south coast cheaply, but he would be worth every penny.
Thiago Motta
Despite nearing his 33rd birthday, Motta continues to prove himself as a top quality defensive midfielder.
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan man is currently at PSG and, due to his age, would surely be available at a cut price if Arsenal were to make a move for the Italy international. Wenger would have to go against his usual age protocol for this signing, but the short-term impact is likely to push Arsenal onto the next level.