ARSENAL want Sevilla midfielder Joan Jordan to sort out their stuttering start to the season.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has identified the Spaniard, 26, as the answer to his team’s struggles, with the North Londoners having tracked his progress for three years.
Joan Jordan is being considered as a possible option to strengthen Arsenal’s midfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sevilla have put a £55million buy-out clause on the all-action midfielder but the LaLiga side are ready to listen to offers of around £32m.
And that is a price Arsenal will be willing to pay to fire up their floundering campaign and start giving Arteta and his side the “identity” they crave.
Fans have never hidden their disdain for Granit Xhaka, whose low stock plummeted even further with a series of lacklustre displays and a red card against Burnley, despite a fine free-kick in the Boxing Day success over Chelsea.
On-loan Dani Ceballos has failed to impress and injury-hit star summer signing Thomas Partey has made just four Premier League starts since his £45m move from Atletico Madrid.
That has seen Arteta pushing for a January recruitment drive — and he has placed the former Eibar man at the top of his shopping list.
Jordan made 40 appearances in his first season at Sevilla after a £13m move from Eibar.
That included starts in all four of their Europa League knockout ties, which brought victories over Wolves and Manchester United, en route to a final triumph over Inter Milan.
Jordan — full name Joan Jordan Moreno — has remained a key member of Julen Lopetegui’s side this season.
But it is understood the chance of a move to the Premier League, especially under fellow Spaniard Arteta, would appeal to him.
Jordan is a combative central midfielder, willing to mix it when required.
But he has also displayed passing vision and the ability to switch play, linking up with former Manchester City man Jesus Navas on the right and Tottenham star Sergio Reguilon, when he was at Sevilla last season, on the opposite flank.
Joan Jordan’s tenacious Sevilla performances have attracted Mikel Arteta’s interestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He can also shoot from distance and has good dead-ball delivery.
That ability to lead and inspire has seen him catch Arteta’s eye.
The Gunners chief is out to prove his Arsenal vision can succeed once he gets a squad of his own choosing together.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
