KEY POINTS

  • Arteta looking for defensive midfielders this summer window
  • Arteta wants to keep Ozil but is giving him freedom
  • COVID-19 lull gives Arteta more time to plan ahead

Mikel Arteta has a lot of work to do and recovering from the coronavirus should get him back on track. The 37-year-old recovered from the COVID-19 virus although the last update on him was that he was working from home. With most confined to their homes, it hardly comes as a surprise. But then again, Arteta continues to find ways to improve Arsenal despite limited mobility.

In a previous post, one area that Arteta wanted to address was inconsistency. But overall, Arteta has done a wonderful job since taking over from Unai Emery last December. Looking ahead, there are several targets in mind. And one of them is the midfielder position. With several players in the fold such as Bukayo Saka rumored to be leaving, filling up that position is reportedly one of Arteta's priorities.

One player who could be moving out is Mesut Ozil. Though nothing is definite, Arteta is giving the German more freedom to figure out if the 31-year-old wants to stay or move out. Ozil has been given the chance to show his skills, featured in every game under the watch of Arteta, The Sun reported. But other midfielders have gotten on the good side of the Gunners mentor. Players like Matteo Guendouzi are not in good terms with Arteta and likely to be among the ones moving out.

Regardless, Arteta is doing what a new manager is likely to do. He will retain the ones who can fit into his system and get other players who he feels is necessary. Among the names linked to Arsenal include Carlos Soler and Eduardo Camavinga. As far as his current crop of players, it appears Arteta would prefer to keep Ozil if given the choice. The German is reportedly happy with the Gunners but anything can happen if some team suddenly offers him a tempting deal. Ozil's deal is good until 2021, Goal.com reported.

Any new players coming in will also depend on the budget Arsenal will be placing. For now, the immediate concern is finishing the season. There is an air of uncertainty right now with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc. No one knows when football action can resume though some feel that there is a chance it could be scrapped. Regardless, the lull gives Arteta more time to evaluate and set targets to make the Gunners a whole lot better.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19 AFP / Adrian DENNIS