Thomas Partey has fallen down the pecking order and Arsenal could now sell him this summer.
That’s probably a crazy thing to say because, only a couple of seasons ago, he was one of the first names on the teamsheet.
But injuries and the club-record transfer of Declan Rice have resulted in Thomas Partey taking a backseat.
In truth, he could still be a valuable squad player for Mikel Arteta, but he needs a player who can come in and enhance the starting XI.
Ever since Granit Xhaka departed last summer, the feeling is that Arsenal are missing that Xhaka-shaped hole in midfield.
Yes, Jorginho has done a fantastic job when called upon, but a regular starter is needed to play alongside Rice and captain Martin Odegaard.
But who is going to be that player with the London club starting to make moves in the summer transfer market?
Perry Groves thinks the man to come in for the team is Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad after he won Euro 2024 with Spain this summer.
Merino played with Odegaard at Sociedad and is now eyeing an Arsenal reunion, with the former Newcastle man grabbing the attention of many.
You could see Merino fitting into Arsenal’s midfield, with Groves labelling the player ‘athletic’ and how he expects a change to happen, as he told talkSPORT (23/07/24 at 3:40 pm).
Mikel Merino to replace Thomas Partey
“You have Mikel Merino, the holding midfield player, from Real Sociedad, that’s if Thomas Partey goes,” said Groves. “He can play. 6 foot 2. Athletic.
“When Partey came in. He gives you something different. When Jorginho was playing, he lets you control the game and calms everything down. He will lend it and get it back. Partey, when he is on his game, he actually has incisive passes that go through the opposition.
“If he goes, then you expect Merino to come in.”
Arsenal’s transfer window is kicking off
Sources have told HITC that Arsenal have scheduled a medical for Riccardo Calafiori ahead of his expected transfer.
But whilst the Italian star enters the building, others could be leaving, with Arteta providing an update on Emile Smith Rowe’s future.
There could be a fair few changes at the Emirates this summer as the Gunners aim to finally dethrone the might of Manchester City.
Arsenal took the Premier League title to the last day of the season in 2023/24 and they are fully aware that it’s all about those very small details now.
