Manchester United’s £45m signing prompts renewed discussion about the urgency for Arsenal to make transfers.
Arsenal held on against Manchester United, keeping the title race alive until the final day of the Premier League season. However, securing the win wasn’t as straightforward as expected, with a solitary goal proving decisive.
Mikel Arteta stuck with the same lineup that secured victories against Chelsea, Tottenham, and Bournemouth, a decision that proved justified with another important win against their historic rivals. Despite the significance of the match, the first half lacked the usual intensity, perhaps due to the pressure of needing a win to stay in contention for the title.
Thomas Partey’s performance fell below expectations, showing signs of rustiness after returning from injury. While he had impressed earlier in the season, his outing at Old Trafford was marred by mistakes, contributing to Arsenal’s struggles.
This raises questions about Arsenal’s midfield decisions in the upcoming transfer window. With Jorginho committing to a new contract and Mohamed Elneny likely to depart as a free agent, Partey’s situation becomes pivotal. With just one year left on his contract, there’s uncertainty about his future at the club, prompting links to midfield targets like Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal’s squad depth needs bolstering, especially in midfield, to provide competition and cover for Partey, whose availability has been inconsistent due to injuries. However, the challenge lies in securing signings, especially with the precedent set by Declan Rice’s £105 million transfer fee. Strengthening the midfield remains a priority for Arsenal, highlighted once again by their performance at Old Trafford.