Mikel Arteta has already spotted bargain Thomas Partey Arsenal replacement after N7 debut

Thomas Partey's time at Arsenal could be coming to an end because of yet another injury that sparked discussions over his future and an Emirates Stadium debut this summer might be the solution

Mikel Arteta Reacts After Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

Just a few weeks into the brand new season and Arsenal have already lost two players to medium and long term injuries. Jurrien Timber finds himself sidelined for the majority of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament issue that required surgery

whilst Thomas Partey has now endured a growing problem is expected to see him sit out games until at least after October international break.

Arsenal cannot seem to catch a break themselves, despite the weekend off allowing for some additional recovery time… unless you’re a player involved in international football which in the case of the Gunners’ squad is sadly most of them. What the break will allow for, especially at the executive level is perhaps some reflection on the recently closed transfer window.

Sporting director Edu ended the window quietly regarding incoming with David Raya the last player to come through the doors.

Many had hoped deadline day would see a fifth arrival materialise but sadly neither Timber nor Partey were covered with a move.

Instead, Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Rob Holding were allowed to leave. Nicolas Pepe and Cedric Soares remain with their futures in limbo as foreign deadlines near.

To replace Partey, which is something I feel should be seriously in light of the persistent injuries issues,

should become a priority in the near future. There could however be an opportunity to sign a player in 2024 to replace the Ghanaian that comes at no cost whatsoever to the club.

As I watched on at the Emirates Cup ahead of the brand new season, the intention was to look at how Arsenal’s new signings might fare, if Eddie Nketiah could step up in Gabriel Jesus’ absence and see how the system was working out. Instead, I found myself drawn to one of the opposition players.

Youssouf Fofana was by far the best player on the pitch on the day. Frenchman scored a header but even outside of his goal, his contributions in both thirds of the field were standout as he recovered the ball, made interceptions and progressed play

These are all traits we expect from Partey, who under Arteta has certainly developed his game in the final third with more accurate long-range shooting and direct passing. Fofana’s deal with Monaco expires at the end of the season rather crazily.

However, the Ligue 1 side do have the option to extend by a further year. The price of the player this summer was €35million (£30million) plus add-ons with Nottingham Forest, according to David Ornstein, making a bid of this amount which met the club’s expectations yet the player opted against the move and stayed on the Mediterranean coast.

A move next summer could be even cheaper for Arsenal to secure considering the length of his deal left. The Gunners may have found the perfect option at a fraction of the cost of the likes of Moises Caicedo.

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