Arsenal identify four midfielders to replace star in January

Tom Weber

Updated: 14 Nov 2023 12:44 GMT
3 min read

Mikael Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Arsenal have identified four potential January replacements for Thomas Partey, according to a report.

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The Ghanaian midfielder is once again sidelined with injury, a recurring theme for the 30-year-old. Having lost his place to summer signing Declan Rice - despite assertions to the contrary by Mikel Arteta - things are going from bad to worse for Partey, with him severely struggling for fitness in recent times.

Arsenal had a chance to cash in on the midfielder in the summer as he had interest from Juventus and the Saudi Pro League, but Arteta was keen to keep him around. His injury problems, however, have given Arsenal second thoughts and convinced them that they would be well advised to strengthen the midfield.

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According to TEAMtalk, the Gunners will only do so in January if they feel they can get a good deal, though. The north London club won't splash the cash in the winter and the report claims that a "cap of around £30 million will be in place" for any potential transaction.

© ProShots - Thomas Partey and Declan Rice

Arsenal's targets

Ideally, Arsenal would like to bring in a player on the younger side of the age spectrum, an up-and-coming talent rather than an established star, it is asserted. They could, however, make an exception for Kalvin Phillips should Man City make him available with Arteta holding "a real interest in the player."

As for younger talents, the above-mentioned outlet claims that Fluminense star Andre remains of interest, while Royal Antwerp wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren will be tracked closely during the international break after receiving a call-up to the senior Belgium side.

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A new name mentioned as a potential option is Sao Paulo youngster Pablo Maia. The 21-year-old is emerging as a legitimate target for Arsenal as sporting director "Edu has been hot on the case during his rise." Any deal will ultimately depend on the terms of the selling club, but finding a long-term replacement for Partey is a priority for the Gunners.