Unai Emery knows the midfielder very well
Arsenal are expected to overhaul their side this summer after an underwhelming Premier League campaign this season. They finished 6th in the league and will miss the Champions League next season.
One of the key areas the Gunners need to resolve is midfield, Santi Cazaorla have left the club and Aaron Ramsey’s future is still uncertain as he could be sold in order to raise funds which leaves them short in that area.
Unai Emery has been appointed as the new manager for the club and he is likely to be busy in the summer transfer window in order to strengthen the squad for the next season.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti would be the perfect signing for them. He wants the new manager to bring nastiness to the club.
Verratti is considered one of the best midfielders in the world and could be lured away from France if right offer is placed. Emery knows him very well after serving two-year stint at Parc des Princes.
Keown told the Daily Mail on the changes being made in north London: “To expect that Emery will transform this team into champions overnight is unrealistic.
“Arsenal has been run Arsene Wenger’s way for 22 years and, given the sheer spending power of the Manchester clubs, the competition is fierce.
“Emery inherits a side that can do damage in the final third but lacks a steeliness and a nastiness, particularly away from home. If he can restore these ingredients, then Arsenal can at least challenge in the Premier League.
“The fans want to see a team that can dig in, battle and scrap.
“Emery needs to bring in a player like Marco Verratti, who he managed at Paris Saint-Germain, to instil those qualities in midfield.”
Read Also: Official: Arsenal have appointed new manager
