Former Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes Sandro Tonali would be a major upgrade for Arsenal’s midfield, but insists Mikel Arteta should focus on strengthening his attack before looking to add another central midfielder.
Speaking exclusively to 10bet, Jenas praised the Newcastle United star and described him as one of the best midfielders currently playing in the Premier League.
“I think Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, in my opinion,” Jenas said.
“He had his misdemeanor, came back, and I thought his attitude from that exact point onward has been brilliant. He’s a dictator of a game; he sets the pace and sets the tone every time he plays. He did the same when he was at AC Milan.”
Tonali preferred to Zubimendi
Arsenal have strong midfielders, including Martin Zubimendi, but Jenas believes Tonali would offer significantly more alongside Declan Rice.
“When I look at that Arsenal midfield, I was never fully convinced by Martín Zubimendi, if I’m honest with you,” he said.
“I think he’s a decent, solid player, but Tonali would definitely be a level up in that midfield alongside Declan Rice.”
Despite his admiration for the Italian international, Jenas questioned whether midfield is currently Arsenal’s biggest concern.
“Though I am a bit surprised that Arsenal’s focus isn’t more forward-thinking than that. I don’t think their midfield is terrible – you’ve got young Myles Lewis-Skelly who has the ability to step in there as well.”
“So Tonali is a great player, and it would be a good move, but I don’t think it’s exactly what they desperately need. I still think they need a proper, out-and-out striker and a specialist on that left wing.”
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Rogers warned against Arsenal switch
Jenas also weighed in on speculation linking Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers with a move to the Emirates Stadium and warned the England international against leaving Villa Park.
“Morgan Rogers has been one of the players of the season for Aston Villa,” Jenas said.
“I just don’t know…look, Villa are a very good team right now.”
The former midfielder believes Villa’s recent success under Unai Emery gives Rogers little reason to seek a move elsewhere.
“They’ve got Champions League football secured now on the basis of winning the Europa League, and Unai Emery strikes me as a person who just wants more and more.”
Jenas also questioned where Rogers would fit into Arsenal’s current setup.
“If you look at Martin Odegaard and the way they set up – unless someone is leaving, what’s really the point of Rogers going there?”
“We’ve kind of seen what’s happened to Emile Smith Rowe; granted, he’s a top player, but he wasn’t playing week-in, week-out.”
“It would have to be on the basis that someone is leaving, because otherwise, I just don’t see the point. It makes no sense.”
“He’d find himself in the exact same situation he faces for England right now – sitting on the bench. He’s playing week-in, week-out for Villa, he’s the main man, and he’s about to go into the Champions League off the back of a good World Cup.
“If I were him, I’d stay put at Villa all day long.”
