The closer that January gets, the more transfer rumors will run rampant. With Arsenal tied for the points lead in the Premier League, yet severely exhausted, expect a slew of tantalizing possibilities to pass by. And yet as Arsenal fans, we know to keep our expectations guarded. Kim Kallstrom is still out there somewhere.
With that horrific thought in mind, we thought it would be beneficial to review some of Arsenal’s midfield options in the January transfer window. Although we are well aware that with Jack Wilshere and Thomas Rosicky due back, Arsene Wenger may very well opt for the injury risk yet again. And yet we can’t help fantasizing about that fantastic feeling you get seeing a new player wearing an Arsenal kit.
These past few weeks have been stressful. Arsenal’s injury situation left Santi Cazorla feeling “dizzy” and “unable to move.” It has also left Alexis Sanchez looking a bit bewildered at times. Those are two things that Arsenal never want to have happen. And it is all the result of not having enough depth where it matters.
Arsenal’s striking corps is often criticized for a lack of options. But as Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott have shown us, it’s not in bad shape. Both strikers bring something completely different to the table. Once you add Danny Welbeck to that mix, you can bet that Wenger will be satisfied.
But in the midfield, Arsenal need help. Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Thomas Rosicky are all moving soon and they are going to need to be replaced. With very little first-team-ready prospects out there, that means that Wenger should (fingers crossed) see the need to add another midfielder or two. Particularly a defensive midfielder so that Francis Coquelin does not end up feeling “dizzy” and “unable to move”.
With that in mind, let’s get started with five options that Arsenal have to fill the gaps in midfield. The fifth best option is not even a defensive midfielder, but he is an option nonetheless. More details on the next slide.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</ul>
</div></p>
<p>So why did he make this list?</p>
<p>Simple. By providing a versatile attacking player, that frees up Aaron Ramsey to cover for Francis Coquelin should the unthinkable occur. Ramsey is the regular right-sided midfielder for Arsenal but as it stands, if Francis Coquelin were to go down, there would be no cover. Even if Ramsey were healthy, a vacated right wing would be filled by Joel Campbell or the Ox, the latter of whom is hurt.</p>
<p>Options are a good thing. Arsenal have been starved of options this year. Bellarabi is an option and he would give Arsenal a bit of breathing room where they have often felt so strained. Plus, Bellarabi would only cost £15 million, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11990251/Arsenal-transfer-news-and-rumours-Gunners-winning-race-to-sign-Bayer-Leverkusen-winger-Karim-Bellarabi.html" target="_blank">according to reports</a>.</p>
<p>Next up, we have another attack-minded midfielder.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Number 4</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 66.666667% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/495102746?et=ByA1ddVnQYVujPSpZ3VAJA&viewMoreLink=on&sig=v281CT---6xUzn9T87TvDutHZOAIlI-QehqQswEAyFY=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="396" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/495102746" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">4. Isco</h3>
<p>I have been swept up by the wonderful allure of Isco playing at Arsenal. Since it’s conception last January, I have added a clause in my prayers every night that Isco would be wearing the cannon on his heart.<div class="related-category right">
<div class="related-main-title">More from <span class="related-name">Arsenal Transfer Rumours</span></div>
<ul>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/04/david-ornstein-reveals-position-arsenal-will-strengthen/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">David Ornstein reveals important position Arsenal will strengthen</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/03/arsenal-transfers-aaron-ramsdale-currently-not-chelsea-target/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Arsenal Transfers: Aaron Ramsdale currently NOT a Chelsea target</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/10/12/brentford-want-60m-arsenal-top-transfer-target/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Arsenal Transfers: Brentford demanding £60m for Gunners #1 transfer target</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/10/03/why-arsenal-prioritise-pedro-neto-signing/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Why Pedro Neto’s a better signing for Arsenal than Ivan Toney</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div></p>
<p>In terms of filling the defensive void, Arseanl can do better. But in terms of adding versatile quality that can be used in so many ways, Arsenal cannot do much better. Isco has been shunned at Real Madrid by high-cost purchases that render him helpless to hold down a starting spot. No matter his quality.</p>
<p>That is a frustrating spot to be in. Arsenal can give him an avenue where he can unleash that frustration on the world.</p>
<p>Isco has played every position in front of the back four, other than striker. He has proven capable of playing all those positions as well. That means he can play defensive if need be. He would even be the perfect successor to Santi Cazorla, who has been a bit exposed lately given his size and lack of defensive expertise.</p>
<p>Not only that, but Isco is Cazorla’s former team mate at Malaga, so the two would have plenty to talk about. But then again, the question is if he is available. Depending on who you ask, he is <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.fichajes.net/noticias/enamorado-isco-20150912.html" target="_blank">either ready to be sold</a> or ready to wait it out at Real Madrid. Time will tell.</p>
<p>At number three, we visit our first defensive-minded option.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Number 3</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 66.666667% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/491983596?et=XeVjjIySQ4NnKvS64dvSsQ&viewMoreLink=on&sig=EAhU7sdIvsmr2gxMAxXa8WIKOerJyGWRL0qTzdU80iU=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="396" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/491983596" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">3. Grzegorz Krychowiak</h3>
<p>The Polish bruiser has been linked to Arsenal for some time. Yet we have never heard any inclination from either side that a move could happen. Krychowiak <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/krychowiak-signs-new-sevilla-contract#:SmpyU2KdWeBjxA" target="_blank">just signed a new deal</a> at Sevilla. Depending on who you ask, that is either really good or really bad for Arsenal. It also raised his release clause.</p>
<p>Krychowiak has even stated that no other clubs are of interest to him and that he wants to be at Sevilla. But then again, what else is he supposed to say? He isn’t Moussa Sissoko.</p>
<p>Krychowiak fits the mold of the bruiser type that Arsenal need to compete with Francis Coquelin. The Pole has deputized on the back line as well, so defending is his specialty. He is a monster in the air and actually averages more interceptions than Francis Coquelin at a massive 4.9 (via <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.whoscored.com/Players/67424/" target="_blank">WhoScored.com</a>).</p>
<p>Again though, the question has always been whether or not he is available. We have seen nothing to indicate that he is. We can still dream.</p>
<p>Next up, a midfielder who may be flying under the radar.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Number 2</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 63.804714% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/495597750?et=gdjMR-ZpT1dsBArVaoAaGA&viewMoreLink=on&sig=p5sDgozzsuUrE8NiN4INmW-8S0ESD4WOfKbypyNbUkk=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="379" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/495597750" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">2. Jorginho</h3>
<p>This is a really enticing link because of what Jorginho offers and how <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://soccerlens.com/jorginho-arsenal-january-transfer/181551/" target="_blank">reportedly</a> available he is. Jorginho’s agent has not completely shut down a transfer and he has acknowledged that a well-known Arsenal scout was watching Jorginho on several occasions. All good news.<div class="recent-posts ">
<h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4>
<ul>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/">
Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</ul>
</div></p>
<p>In terms of play style, we have even more good news. Jorginho is a solid defender. He averages the typical two interceptions and two tackles per game. But it is in his passing that Jorginho makes himself known. The Brazilian boasts a 90% pass completion, three assists and 1.5 key passes per game.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_37577" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>Plus, Jorginho is only 23 years of age. Combining his defensive steadfastness and his passing ability would give Arsenal a viable option at the base of the midfield. Not only that, but he is not such a world-beater that he would feel entitled to a first team role right off the bat.</p>
<p>Finally, our top transfer option. He also happens to be one of the newest options. Have a look.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Number 1</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 66.666667% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/494835876?et=BWITf2d9Red3TQOQtwzzPQ&viewMoreLink=on&sig=-W68OTD4e9QiaEGb19jbbk_3CmbFbX-V7Pj3ODBB0xc=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="396" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/494835876" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">1. Granit Xhaka</h3>
<p>If you were on Pain in the Arsenal at all yesterday, you saw this one coming. Granit Xhaka has gone on a pretty stellar run lately, launching himself onto the radar. Xhaka reminds me a lot of Francis Coquelin, except with offensive perks already in play. The 23-year old Swede is tenacious. He does put up some serious yellow cards. But so did Francis Coquelin. It can all be toned down.<div class="recent-posts ">
<h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4>
<ul>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/">
Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</ul>
</div></p>
<p>Xhaka’s size and versatility make him a prime target. While he has been used primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he puts up defender-like numbers. Two tackles and two interceptions as a box-to-box guy is impressive.</p>
<p>Plus, transferring from the Bundesliga to the Premier League is not as hard of a transition as it would be to pull someone over from Spain or Italy.</p>
<p>As far as plausibility, that is where the rumor has major question marks. Xhaka is under contract until 2019 but he does have a release clause of £21 million. Unfortunately, that clause does not kick in until 2017 (according to <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/13/ranking-arsenals-top-5-midfield-transfer-options/"http://metro.co.uk/2015/11/12/arsenal-send-official-to-watch-granit-xhaka-ahead-of-potential-transfer-report-5495225/" target="_blank">the Metro</a>). So until that time, it is a dialogue between Arsenal and Borussia Monchengladbach.</p>
<p>Those are the best options Gooners, who do you most want to see?</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">