Arsenal’s summer transfer business went somewhat unnoticed, as Liverpool’s high-profile signings dominated the headlines and praise.
While the Gunners didn’t smash transfer records, they made smart, strategic moves—focusing on improving squad depth where it was most needed. Unlike other clubs that splashed over £200 million on strikers despite only fielding one, or left key deals to deadline day, Arsenal were efficient and deliberate. Though Mikel Arteta has been linked with Hacken midfielder Silas Andersen, there may be a more cost-effective option available—one who brings youth, defensive strength, and international experience.
Who Arsenal Should Consider Instead of Silas Andersen
For a team built around structure and control, Arsenal rely heavily on a strong No. 6 to shield the defence and connect midfield to attack. Belgium’s national team currently boasts a surprise standout in that role—Nicolas Raskin. Despite Rangers’ struggles at club level, Raskin has established himself as a key player for Belgium under Rudi Garcia, who praised his performances:
“When you see Raskin’s match against Ukraine, you realise we’ve found a midfielder for the future. Nico is aggressive, defensively solid, wins duels, and is always looking to get on the ball. He completed nearly 100 passes with over 90% accuracy, all while playing forward.”
Garcia also compared Raskin favorably to other Belgian midfielders like Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana, even hinting that Romeo Lavia’s recurring injuries have made Raskin the more reliable option for now.
What Kind of Midfielder Is Raskin?
Raskin began at Standard Liège before joining Rangers in early 2023. Initially, he impressed as Belgium’s Under-21 captain, but injuries briefly derailed his progress. However, he bounced back last season—earning a spot in the senior national team alongside Kevin De Bruyne.
Raskin’s game is built on energy, pressing, and simplicity. He’s not the type to dictate tempo like a deep-lying playmaker but excels at doing the hard work—recovering possession and covering ground for more creative teammates. At 24, he’d complement Declan Rice perfectly and has openly expressed his desire to play in the Premier League.
Given Chelsea paid £53 million for Lavia, Raskin’s quality—and potential value—is clear. With just 18 months left on his contract, he could be available for a relatively modest fee, making him an appealing bargain for Arsenal or any club seeking a tenacious, dependable midfielder ready for the next step.