Arsenal probably need to sign up a midfield foot-soldier that can come in and battle in the middle of the park beside Francis Coquelin.

For me that man could be Everton’s James McCarthy.

The Gunners do have a fair amount of central midfielders but that could change in the summer if Arsene Wenger has a end of season clear-out.

Thomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini have all been fine servants at the Emirates but all are now the wrong-side  of thirty. They all seem to be susceptible to injury and lack a bit of pace. I would imagine that two could leave in the summer, probably Rosicky and Flamini.

I’ve seen the reports that Abou Diaby could be offered a ‘pay-as-you-play’ deal but I think it would be best for all concerned if the French international walked away when his contract expires. You can’t get past the fact that Diaby has made only sixteen league appearances in the past four seasons and hasn’t played a minute of league football this season! His ability isn’t in question but can he really stay fit long enough to make any real impact?

Santi Cazorla proved against Manchester City at the Etihad earlier in the year that he can sit in alongside Coquelin and provided an efficient and disciplined performance. But could the Spaniard do that week in and week out? Plus would Wenger like to take away the creativity Cazorla offers when he plays further forward. I think its great having that option but I don’t think it would work full-time.

Question marks remain regarding Jack Wilshere’s career. He’s another one at Arsenal that seems to struggle to stay fit. The England international has fallen down the pecking order, with many second guessing his best position. Personally I think Jack is more suited further forward but I doubt he’ll get in there and I’m unsure he’s disciplined enough to stay back and muck in beside Coquelin. With Man City supposedly ready to offer £30m for his services, would Arsenal be better off cashing in on Wilshere?

So obviously Arsenal will need to bring in a new midfielder.

In James McCarthy they’d get a disciplined performer, who seems to just get better with age.

The Irish international is still only twenty-four but he’s been playing first team football since he was sixteen (much like Cesc Fabregas). The Glasgow born star has also been smart with his career choices.

After impressing at Hamilton Accies as a youngster, he was linked with a host of big clubs. But McCarthy decided to join Wigan in 2009. That move meant he’d get more first team opportunities right from the get go. That allowed him to blossom quicker than he would have done at a bigger club.

McCarthy soon became an integral part of the Latics team and helped keep them in the Premier League in his first three seasons at the club. They would be relegated in 2013 but only after they won the FA Cup!

The midfielder then reached another crossroads in his career as he was clearly too good for the Championship. Again Top Four clubs were mentioned but instead of making that giant leap, James took a step up a level to join Everton in a £13m move. At Goodison he was reunited with former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez who had previously called McCarthy ‘a tactical genius‘.

Once again James McCarthy stepped up with class and made a positive impact at his new club, without looking out of place for minute. Along with veteran Gareth Barry, Everton boss midfield battles. He is a consistent disciplined performer, who gives a lot of energy to his team in the midfield engine room.

Unlike others that play in that holding role, McCarthy is reliable and seems to always be fully concentrated on what he does for his team. He doesn’t moan and isn’t nasty in the tackle, he’s assured and quick to get the ball forward to the more creative talents.

After two seasons with the ‘Toffees’ McCarthy and helping them to fifth place finish and a successful Europa League run, the time could be right for James to make his final step up to a major club.

Arsenal have once again been heavily linked with Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin but if that deal can’t be done then I think Arsene Wenger should go all out for James McCarthy.

A holding midfielder who has proven English Premier League credentials, that can sit and look after the opposition beside Francis Coquelin may just turn Arsenal from title challengers to title winners!

Posted on May 10th, 2015 by scott
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