Arsenal are set to make several sales in the summer as they look to upgrade areas of their squad, and this could mean some high-profile players depart.
Mikel Arteta’s side fell just short of Manchester City in the title race, but whilst few areas of the starting XI need to change, having a stronger bench could prove to be the difference next season.
However, arguably the only position in which Arsenal need a player to come in as a starter is in defensive midfield. Declan Rice has excelled in a more advanced role, and whilst Jorginho has performed well, his age means he cannot play every week.
Thomas Partey returned from injury to end the season, and whilst he did impress at times, it became clear that the physicality which once made him excel has waned.
With one year left on his deal, there were question marks over his future, but it has now become clear what Arsenal’s plan of action over the 30-year-old will be.
Thomas Partey will leave Arsenal this summer
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now told JD Football that Partey will leave Arsenal this summer, with a new midfielder set to replace him.
“There are several players they have in the list, for example, a player they always appreciated is Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, but negotiating with Villa is never easy, so let’s see what’s going to happen there,” he stated of Arsenal’s midfield targets.
“They have several players lined up, so I think there is a good chance they will bring in a new midfielder. Thomas (Partey) will leave, Jorginho extended.”
Arsenal need to replace Thomas Partey well
Partey needs to leave simply because he cannot be relied upon to stay fit. The 30-year-old missed most of the season with injury, again, and as he gets older, his injury problems could worsen.
The midfielder has been sensational at times since his £45m move from Atletico Madrid, but there is still a feeling of missed opportunity given his constant absences from the side.
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Arsenal need to replace what Partey at his best would offer the team: physicality in the middle, the ability to dribble through the press and an elite short and long passing ability.
It is clear that Partey’s time is up, and Arsenal will hope to receive some sort of fee for him, with Turkish clubs interested, but the replacement needs to be a player who can come in immediately and slot into the midfield alongside Rice and Martin Odegaard.