A long-serving manager left the club; the new manager has decided to make Marouane Fellaini one of his first signings of the transfer window having already acquired the services of Stephan Lichsteiner.
The 30-year-old Belgium international is set to switch Manchester for London in the coming days. Having rejected a new contract from Manchester United, he appears to be keen on a move away from Old Trafford.
AC Milan were recently interested in signing Fellaini but it looks like Arsenal might have won the race for the former Everton due to a possible desire to remain in the Premier League even though the Italian game might suit his style of play more, he would introduce a new dynamic to Arsenal as they prepare for the change.
His robust nature on the pitch has caused him to have a reputation of being an aggressive midfielder. At Manchester United, he has caused fans to have a divided opinion on him. Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have utilised his midfield presence over the past four years. He can be a real nuisance for defenders if he is played in a more advanced role and has become a better player with his feet over his years at Manchester United compared to his time at Everton.
While he isn’t a typical Arsenal signing, he will be able to add some grit and power to the Gunners’ midfield, something they have lacked for quite some time. A player who is not afraid to shirk a tackle, he could be a real example to defensive players like Granit Xhaka and Mohammed El Elneny who have been criticised for being able to command the midfield.
Arsenal do have the luxury of playing Fellaini in two different roles, as stated he can be more advanced and be a handful for defenders but is more than capable of playing in a defensive system. He would provide cover for players anywhere in the midfield.
The former Standard Liège man must be doing something right as he has made the World Cup squad for his country. Roberto Martinez named him in his 23 man squad despite only making 16 league appearances for his club. However, he has scored four times this season including a last-minute winner against Arsenal in Arsene Wenger’s final game against Manchester United.
Arsenal fans may see this as another signing where they lack in quality, but if they are to build a squad that is capable of challenging in the league while playing Europa League football, then Fellaini is not the worst signing in the world. They will be hoping Emery does more business than Moyes did in his first transfer window as they look to a new chapter of their life.
