Jordan Veretout has emerged as a possible summer transfer target for Arsenal, but would he provide Unai Emery with a substantial improvement on his current midfield options?
The Fiorentina star has enjoyed success since his move to the club, and according to claims from Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited by Calciomercato, Napoli are edging ever closer to agreeing a deal for the player.
However, they are not the only prestigious European club in the race, with Arsenal noted as shock suitors for Veretout should opt against a move to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The Gunners will need to strengthen their team ahead of next season significantly, but would the French midfielder actually improve the choices currently at the disposal of Emery?
Veretout has come some way since his struggles at Aston Villa. His only stint in England to date was by no means successful, but he is now a very accomplished player, who has stood out for Fiorentina.
Napoli appear to be closing in on a deal worth €22 million including bonuses, which would present a more than affordable outlay for Arsenal despite their financial constraints this summer.
Although, with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira all in place for next season, an argument could certainly be made to suggest that signing Veretout would be an unnecessary move from the Gunners.
They have looked opened in the middle at times since Emery’s arrival, but the promise shown by both Guendouzi and Torreira, in particular, should provide encouragement.
Veretout would add a different style of player to Arsenal’s squad, but whether or not he would start every week is hardly undoubted.
The Gunners should look to spend their restricted funds wisely this summer, and in doing so, unnecessarily strengthening competent areas of the pitch would be somewhat peculiar.
Perhaps it would serve Arsenal best if they avoid this deal, and focus their attention on the centre of the defence…
