Mikel Arteta should start £12m Arsenal talent ‘who makes everyone better’ vs Aston Villa

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Arsenal certainly face a tough test of their title credentials when they travel to Aston Villa on Saturday evening, another date with their former boss Unai Emery.

It’s well documented that Villa stifled Arsenal and their title bid last season – Mikel Arteta wasn’t able to get the better of his compatriot home or away.

But Arsenal are rejuvenated heading into their third serious attempt to beat Manchester City to the title, believing this could genuinely be their year.

Arsenal agreeing a deal for Mikel Merino is a big boost in that regard, who could perhaps be announced as the club’s third summer signing on Sunday or Monday.

But without Merino against Villa, Arteta still has a few opportunities to strengthen the lineup that he fielded against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Although Arsenal won 2-0, they surrendered a few sloppy chances and had David Raya to thank for their clean sheet.

That being said, perhaps Jorginho’s inclusion in midfield could headline the changes today, with Thomas Partey dropping to the bench.

Jorginho is the right choice for Arsenal to replace Thomas Partey

Arteta previously said that Jorginho ‘makes everyone better’ around him at Arsenal, quotes which are particularly pertinent as to why he should start today. 

The £12m-midfielder was on the bench against Wolves with Partey starting as Arsenal’s number six.

READ MORE: £86m striker who Arsenal want to buy just scored a hat-trick to make it six goals in three games

And although Partey did enjoy some excellent moments, breaking the lines with his passing in typical fashion, he then often gave the ball away in the second half.

Arsenal weren’t punished last Saturday, but will be with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey around at Villa Park.

It’s a huge test for Arsenal before they also play a crucial north London derby, and Jorginho simply gives Arteta more security in the middle now.

And although there’s no doubt over Kai Havertz’s starting position against Villa, speculation about the club signing another goalscorer before deadline day has continued.

Interestingly, Viktor Gyokeres has now spoken about his future amid links to Arsenal, and he certainly hasn’t closed the door on a Sporting CP exit.

It’s an important few weeks for Arsenal in a lot of regards, and if they can win three points on Saturday and then add an attacker next week then things will be looking very rosy indeed.