Midfield flexibility makes Fellaini a worthy signing for Arsenal

Marouane Felliani may have spent his last season at Everton as an attacking focal point of David Moyes’ side, at times in the role of a support striker, but there is every reason to believe that he could be a big asset in a deeper position.

There has been speculation of a Fellaini switch for much of 2012, with Chelsea considered keen admirers in the January transfer window and in recent weeks links with a reunion with Moyes at Manchester United.

However, it is Arsenal that have emerged as the leading fancies to secure his signature, with contact having already been made with Everton about such a deal.

A £22m release clause is believed to be in the Belgian’s Goodison Park contract and Arsenal are thought to be content to offer this sum.

The result is that Fellaini has been backed into 11/10 to be an Arsenal player by the end of the summer transfer window on September 1st.

On first thought, Fellaini would not come across as a logical fit for the Gunners, as his use at Everton has been more as a target man for long balls.

Arsenal are far less direct than Everton and their penchant for incise, short passes would not be the style of football that would seemingly best fit Fellaini’s skill-set.

However, at Standard Liege he flourished in a deeper midfield role and there is every possibility he could be used at Arsenal in the holding position vacated by Alex Song or even in a box-to-box role, where his attacking talents could still be utilised.

Effectively, Fellaini could play any of the three central midfield roles and perhaps more importantly, he would be a big help in a team often lacking in physicality.

Arsenal are currently 14/1 to win the Premier League next season, but if Fellaini is the first of a cluster of summer signings, this price is certain to shorten.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.