Arsenal have surprisingly come to the decision to let a midfield regular leave as part of a player-plus-cash deal for AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer, according to a report.
Central midfield is arguably the final position Mikel Arteta needs to strengthen at Arsenal. Reports continue to link Arsenal with new wingers, such as Mykhaylo Mudryk, but this position is less pressing than a new midfielder as Arteta can rely on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli out wide.
When Thomas Partey is fit, he plays alongside Granit Xhaka in the centre of the pitch for Arsenal. Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga provide backup for those two.
But there are a few reasons why the Gunners are looking to add a new star to their ranks. The first is Partey’s injury record.
Last season, the Ghana international only made 24 Premier League appearances due to an ankle injury and then a knock late in the season.
This term, Partey has missed four games in all competitions due to a thigh issue. Luckily, he is fully fit right now and playing an important role for Ghana in their World Cup group campaign. But it seems the next injury is never far away for Partey.
Elneny has proven to be a reliable replacement for Partey whenever Arteta has called upon him. But Elneny is now 30 years old and is also in the final year of his Arsenal contract, so the Gunners may look to move him on and sign a successor.
Then there is Lokonga. He was signed in July 2021 with the intent of competing with Partey and Xhaka for a starting spot. However, Lokonga is yet to impress either Arteta or the Arsenal supporters. He has often looked out of his depth when playing against top opposition.
These factors have seen Arsenal begin to scout several midfielders. Leicester star Youri Tielemans, Palmeiras’ Danilo and Adrien Rabiot of Juventus are all on their radar.