Mikel Arteta has been told to make a transfer U-turn on an Arsenal player who could replace Thomas Partey this summer.
The north London side are set for a busy few months with a number of big-name players expected to leave the Gunners this summer, with Partey reportedly emerging as a target for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
With Arsenal already in the market for a new midfielder, Arteta will have his work cut out if he is to revamp the position to such a level that the Gunners can go head-to-head with Manchester City again next season for the Premier League title.
And Arteta has now been urged to make a U-turn on one player to replace Partey.
Albert Sambi Lokonga highlighted as potential Arsenal saviour
Speaking on ESPN FC, pundit Gabriele Marcotti suggested that Albert Sambi Lokonga should be considered as a potential replacement for Partey at Arsenal given how much sense such a decision would make.
The midfielder has publically stated that he wants to leave Arsenal this summer, yet with Partey also potentially out the door, Arteta has now been urged to do a U-turn on selling Lokonga and to use the Belgian as a replacement for the 31-year-old.
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Marcotti said when asked what Arsenal should do if Partey is sold this summer: “If you move Partey out and Elneny’s already out, you’re down two in a role that’s already a bit thin to begin with.
“If you are going to make a major investment in midfield and then you complete that core with Zinchenko, if he’s adaptable and you don’t move him on, or Lokonga. I think Lokonga can give you the energy. He’s already their player, it won’t take him long [to adapt], I think he would relish in another shot at the club.”
Lokonga could have been perfect to replace Partey this summer
With Partey likely to move on in the coming weeks, Lokonga could have been the dream replacement for the former Atletico Madrid midfielder, who Gary Neville described as ‘outstanding’ this season with Luton Town.
However, it seems pretty cut and dry now that Lokonga will be leaving Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners clearly ready to move the Belgian international on and reap the financial benefits from his year out with the Hatters.
Indeed, Lokonga would have been ideal to replace Partey heading into next season, but given how the midfielder has been treated at Arsenal since 2021, it’s no real surprise that the 24-year-old is ready to start a new chapter in his career.