Arsenal is targeting a replacement for Thomas Partey, with Edu already making contact in a competitive four-way transfer battle.
Arsenal have identified another potential replacement for Thomas Partey, who is expected to depart this summer. Despite a strong end to the 2023/24 season, Partey’s recurring injury issues make his exit likely in the coming months.
Partey played a crucial role in Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title, starting six of the last nine games. “We need him because he’s a top player, very important for us, and you can see the impact he has on the pitch,” said Mikel Arteta in a press conference. “He’s our player, he has one more year on his contract, and I’m really happy with him.” However, despite his and the club’s positive sentiments, a move to Saudi Arabia seems probable.
Given Arsenal’s long-standing plans to replace Partey, they have already identified several potential midfield targets. Martin Zubimendi, Bruno Guimaraes, Joshua Kimmich, and Amadou Onana have all been linked to the Gunners. Recently, interest in AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana has intensified. “He [Fofana] is probably one of the players we are open to selling. We will see the opportunities he has,” Monaco’s CEO Thiago Scuro stated last month via Get French Football News.
Following an impressive season at Monaco, Fofana has attracted attention from Arsenal, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, with all four clubs already making contact with his representatives, according to L’Équipe. Valued at around €30 million (£26m) due to his contract expiring next summer, his price could rise if a bidding war ensues.
Fofana himself has provided an update on his future, though he remains non-committal. “We haven’t yet spoken about it with the sporting director,” he told Get French Football News in April. “He will allow me to finish the season so that there aren’t too many things in my head, and if I then go to the Euros with the France national team, we will speak about it upon my return. We haven’t dwelt on it.”