Thomas Partey’s performance against Manchester United creates a transfer dilemma for Arsenal regarding their midfield.
Regardless of the upcoming week’s events, this summer will be pivotal for Arsenal. The Gunners are now serious Premier League contenders, but the club aims to strengthen further to compete on multiple fronts next season.
Senior club sources acknowledge that improvements are needed, particularly in the attack. Despite having scored the most goals in their Premier League history this season, there’s a belief that a “killer” presence in the final third is necessary. Rather than seeking a traditional number nine, Arsenal is likely to pursue a versatile forward who can operate across the front line, given the lack of viable market options and Kai Havertz’s strong recent performances in that role.
Midfield is another key area Arsenal plans to bolster. The club has already extended Jorginho’s contract by a year as part of their strategy for next season. The defensive midfield position is particularly intriguing. With Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny expected to leave, and Thomas Partey having just one year left on his contract, decisions must be made. Partey has been crucial, having not lost a game in 2023/24 and starting four consecutive matches at a critical time, but his recent performance against Manchester United was not convincing, raising questions about his future.
Partey’s fate may hinge on Arteta’s plans for Declan Rice, who has thrived since his record move from West Ham. Initially deployed as a number six, Rice has recently been used in a more advanced role. If Arteta envisions Rice continuing in this position, Partey’s future could be uncertain. Arsenal might entertain offers for Partey given his contract situation, although Arteta remains a strong supporter.
Arsenal has identified long-term targets for the number six role, such as Douglas Luiz and Bruno Guimaraes, but neither seems likely this summer. Martin Zubimendi is another option, but he reportedly wishes to play under Xabi Alonso. Given the difficulty in securing a long-term solution for the deep-lying midfield role and Rice’s advanced deployment, Arsenal might retain Partey to compete with Jorginho. This strategy might also prompt the search for a more offensive midfielder to fill the left eight position, where Arteta has struggled to find a consistent replacement for Granit Xhaka. Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe have not been regulars, so Arteta may seek a creative partner for Martin Odegaard.