Monday 28 December 2015 13:58, UK
Charlie Nicholas has suggested Michael Carrick could be the perfect January signing for Arsenal to add experience to the midfield.
It has been reported that the Gunners are close to agreeing a deal to sign 23-year-old Egypt international Mohamed Elneny from Basel.
However, former Arsenal player Nicholas thinks they should focus on adding experience as they target a first Premier League title since 2004.
"The one key position is a holding midfield player," he told Soccer Saturday. "I don't know why he (Arsene Wenger) wouldn't go for anyone with Premier League experience.
"I would be amazed if (Mikel) Arteta isn't finished as a player, (Mathieu) Flamini will probably go and (Tomas) Rosicky is probably done. That's three players with great experience between them.
"It makes sense for me to go for someone between the age of 30-32. I think there are a few about and if I was Arsenal I would go for Carrick. He's not got the legs and pace but I think you need somebody with experience who has authority and gets the ball and passes it.
If I was Arsenal I would go for Carrick. He's not got the legs and pace but I think you need somebody with experience who has authority and gets the ball and passes it.
"I am not saying he would play every week because (Francis) Coquelin will be back when he is fit, but Carrick could teach as well as play. Someone has to teach these players how to play positions. I would bring him in for a few seasons and also go out and buy."
Arsenal have been short on cover in the defensive midfield position since Coquelin suffered a knee injury in late November that ruled him out for three months.
"They have not found a solution to this position," added Nicholas. "Wenger stumbled across Coquelin and he needs to buy someone with the authority to fill the position.
"I have always said (Morgan) Schneiderlin, who is struggling at Manchester United, can they get him?"
The Gunners missed the chance to go top of the table on Boxing Day as they were beaten 4-0 by Southampton.
And Paul Merson believes Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama would be a good addition for the Gunners in January.
"They need a centre-half and a holding midfield player," he said. "They have enough money to get Wanyama. He is big and strong and he ripped Arsenal apart the other day; he was head and shoulders above their midfield."
