Straightforward signing could provide insurance for Arteta ahead of possible midfield crisis

Arsenal are one of a number of Premier League clubs facing the prospect of losing crucial players during a key part of the season as the African Cup of Nations gets underway in January. 

Both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny will likely travel to African for the competition, which will last as long as a month for countries that reach the latter stages.

With two central midfielders departing for up to four weeks, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles likely to leave the club in the January transfer window, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could be left with just Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga as senior central midfielders during January and the early part of February.

While Arteta’s side don’t have European games to contend with this season, they are focussing solely on securing Champions League football for next season, and will want to be at their best for the remainder of the season.

With that in mind, Arsenal could make a shock move for a former player.

Wilshere has had two unsuccessful spells with Bournemouth

As per The Express, former Gunner Jack Wilshere could provide an easy fix for Arteta in Janaury.

The former England international found himself without a club over the summer after leaving Championship side Bournemouth, and trained with Arsenal for three months to maintain his fitness.

Arteta has recently claimed that the 29-year-old is ‘100 percent’ still capable of playing in the Premier League, and the Englishman could therefore provide an easy fix if the Spaniard does find himself short of midfielders next month.

Wilshere made 198 appearances for the North London side after emerging in the first team in 2009, but found himself out of favour after a number of injury layoffs and left the club in 2018, having won two FA Cups and a Community Shield.