Arsenal should consider a summer move for reported January target John Fleck, following Chris Wilder’s confirmation that there was interest in the Sheffield United midfielder in January.
Football Insider claimed that the Gunners had lined up a £20million offer to sign the Scottish international in January, after the midfielder had impressed in the Blades’ return to the Premier League.
While no move came to fruition, Wilder has now confirmed that his side did field interest from a number of clubs who were said to be keen on the 28-year old’s services.
Since then, the Scotland international signed a new three-year contract at Bramall Lane late last month, but Arsenal should not be deterred as they eye summer reinforcements.
Playing in a central role this season, Fleck has scored five goals in the Premier League, assisting twice, and he has proven to be an integral player for Wilder’s side (Transfermarkt).
With the future of both Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira up in the air, Dani Ceballos approaching the end of his loan deal and Mesut Ozil nearing his Arsenal end, Mikel Arteta may need to find midfield reinforcements soon.
Fleck, while not the most glamorous target, has quietly impressed for the Blades this season, and Arsenal should consider him to add more steel to their midfield area. He also represents more of a goal threat, having scored more goals than Ozil, Xhaka, Torreira and Ceballos put together this season.
WhoScored claim that while Fleck is a strong passer and dribbler of the ball, he is also defensively resolute, as he knows how to put himself behind the ball and shield the defence, while not going to ground rashly. Therefore, the Scot could add much-needed quality and grit to Arteta’s side.
Having not been in the Champions League since the 2016/17 season, Arsenal will hope that a strong summer of spending will help get them back into the top four next season, and Fleck could be a good starting point for the Gunners.
Defensive midfield has been a problem position for Arsenal in recent years, with the club hoping that the likes of Xhaka would step up into the mould of somebody like Gilberto Silva, something that hasn’t happened, which is why it’s a key area that Arteta must strengthen in the summer.
