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Would he solve Arsenal’s midfield dilemma?

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Michael CarrickArsene Wenger could do with signing a holding midfielder when the January transfer window opens – this is not just my opinion on the matter, but fellow fans have said the same thing, as well as some pundits of the game.

After seeing Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla both hobble off with long-term injuries (both expected to be back in action sometime in February), Wenger has been left with limited options in midfield, such to an extent, that he played Callum Chambers in midfield in their 2-0 win over Bournemouth yesterday – and fair play to the youngster, he did well.

But with the busy and crucial part of the season about to begin, can Wenger take a risk with what he currently has at his disposal? I don’t think so.

A lot of names have been touted for a potential move to Arsenal with Victor Wanyama, William Carvalho and Mohamed Elneny, who is said to be close to signing for us from Basel.

And while every fan will have their own opinion on who Wenger should bring in, former Gunner Charlie Nicholas believes the Frenchman should make a move for the highly experienced Michael Carrick.

The 34-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular spot in Louis Van Gaal’s team since the arrivals of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, and has only managed 11 Premier League starts.

But Nicholas reckons it ‘makes sense’ for Arsenal to go for the former Spurs man as he would command the ball and bring experience to Wenger’s midfield.

Asked on Soccer Saturday where Arsenal need to strengthen this January and who they should try to bring in, Nicholas said:

‘The one key position is a holding midfield player. I don’t know why he wouldn’t go for anyone with Premier League experience.

‘It makes sense for me to go for someone between the age of 30-32. There are a few about and if I was Arsenal I would go for Carrick.

‘He’s not got the legs and pace but you need somebody with experience who has authority and gets the ball and passes it.

‘I am not saying he would play every week but Carrick could teach as well as play. Someone has to teach these players how to play positions.’

Yes, Carrick would certainly give us more experience in midfield, but he’s not the man Arsenal need to push them towards the title. And if he’s not able to challenge for a regular role in the starting line-up then it doesn’t make sense to bring him in.

Arsenal already have Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta who can do what Carrick does, so why bother bringing him in?

Arsenal need a powerhouse midfielder, someone who can compete with Francis Coquelin, and only one man springs to mind for me and that’s Wanyama.

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