De Zerbi identifies No 10 priority as OM plan a frugal winter window | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi’s constant rotation has not solved Marseille’s central creativity, the No 10 berth remains unclaimed. According to L'Équipe, the club are weighing a winter move for an attacking midfielder, but spending will be kept in check.

Around 10 days ago, before a 3-2 win over Union Saint-Gilloise, De Zerbi said they do not really have a No 10. He then tried Matt O'Riley there, followed by Arthur Vermeeren in the 1-0 win over Monaco, neither trial truly convinced.

Seven players have featured there since the summer, O'Riley, Vermeeren, Adrien Rabiot, Angel Gomes, Amine Gouiri, Bilal Nadir and 18-year-old Darryl Bakola. Staff and board have discussed a recruit, and in De Zerbi’s view the role must add quality, assists and goals in decisive moments.

Marseille are advancing several options in parallel. One is Nice’s Sofiane Diop, not selected by Morocco for AFCON, who can play centrally or wide. Cover is also sought on the right for Mason Greenwood, the most used player and at times the playmaker in possession.

The profile is scarce in winter and Marseille will not be extravagant. President Pablo Longoria has said no arrivals will be made until the club are back on their start of the season economic target. Short term, he expects the returns of Gouiri and Hamed Junior Traoré, while Nadir’s renewal is being discussed, and exits are possible for Gomes, whose camp is open and whose free transfer would limit the cost, with CJ Egan-Riley also a candidate to depart.

Source: L'Équipe