Our Arsenal fans here in the Transfer Tavern will be targeting next season, as the season for things to change at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have had a difficult campaign so far, even though they have reached the Carabao Cup Final – which they lost to Man City in spectacular fashion. With the only route to the Champions League being via winning the Europa League, it looks a tough ask for Arsene Wenger.

What many of our pub regulars feel that is missing at the Emirates is a solid holding midfielder to protect and break down the play, much like N’Golo Kante does for Chelsea. Granit Xhaka often plays that role to little effect and, much of the time, helps concede more points than he earns the team.

In recent matches, especially against AC Milan, Xhaka has looked like the player Wenger signed. However, our landlord believes there are better, younger and a lot more talented alternatives out there to the Swiss international. He has taken a look at TWO other alternate powerful men who could improve the Gunners next season…

Wilfred Ndidi

The Leicester City man is playing an important role within the team this season and even more so since the departure of N’Golo Kante to Chelsea. He can break up the play, spot and easy pass to play to start the attack and play a huge part in breaking down the attack of the opposition.

Arsenal are screaming out for a player just like Ndidi, as many in the bar think that a holding midfielder would be a game-changer for the Emirates side.

Fabinho

The Brazilian, who is currently setting Ligue 1 alight with Monaco should be a number one target for the Gunners next season. Indeed, he likes to tackle and with his high concentration levels, he should be an instant hit in the Premier League after developing oh so much with the French champions.

Fabinho also has a keen eye for goal with his six goals and three assists this season, which could provide a different alternative to the Arsenal attack.