Arsenal have looked short in midfield with the absence of Martin Odegaard, who has been out since the September international break.
The Gunners have lacked creativity with the Norwegian out of the side and have had to heavily rely on Bukayo Saka. These past few weeks, Arsenal have had their squad stretched to the limit with injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Tomiyasu.
Thomas Partey has had to deputise at right back, leaving the gunners with Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in midfield. Both players are not great in the build up nor impressive on the ball like Partey, which has lead to transfer links to this Premier League midfielder.
Arsenal to compete with rivals Spurs for star midfielder
Carlos Baleba has been sensational this season. After a disappointing start last year, the midfielder seems to be a whole new player. The Cameroon international seemed to struggle under former coach Roberto De Zerbi’s system. But under Fabian Hürzeler this season, Baleba has been allowed free roam in midfield.
The 20-year old now looks like a huge bargain after he was signed for just €27million last year. One of his best performances this season came against Chelsea, where he stopped the Blues from playing out of the back with his reading of the game. He capitalized on a loose pass to score in that game.
According to TalkSport, Liverpool and Spurs also have an interesting in the young midfielder. Arsenal will face stiff competition if they want to sign Carlos Baleba.
The midfielder looks like the ideal replacement for Thomas Partey, who has still not signed a new contract with his current deal expiring next summer.
Assessing Carlos Baleba’s options
With Tottenham having splashed around €50million on young midfielders Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, Spurs would be the last place the Brighton midfielder should look. The club also have Bissouma, Pape Sarr and Bentancur on their books.
Liverpool have a place for the Brighton midfielder in their team; with Ryan Gravenberch stamping his place as first choice alongside Alexis MacAllister, there is the possibility Baleba joins for the third midfield slot. Wataru Endo, and Curtis Jones have failed to make their claim for a first team place, while big money signing Dominik Szoboszlai.
Arsenal would replace Thomas Partey with Carlos Baleba; with the Ghanaian’s contract expiring in the summer. The Gunners would need the 20-year olds quality on the ball, to complement Declan Rice in midfield.