Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell Thomas Partey and replace him with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha in the January window.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal ponder selling Thomas Partey in January and replace the midfielder with Joao Palhinha. The Gunners are not overly convinced of the idea as things stand, but they are willing to explore such an avenue to shore up their midfield.
Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign a new defensive midfielder that allows Mikel Arteta to have different options. At the start of the season, the Gunners may not have planned on shoring up their midfield in January, but circumstances continue to lead them towards such an outcome.
Thomas Partey’s injury problems have had a significant effect on their thinking. Douglas Luiz and even Martin Zubimendi appear out of reach for different reasons, but lately, Arsenal have seen links to Joao Palhinha.
Partey has missed most of the season so far but continues to make progress in the background to return to fitness. The Ghanaian will probably make the matchday squad soon, but there are questions about his long-term future.
The Arsenal man will enter the final 18 months of his deal in January, with the report suggesting the Gunners might cash in. There are Saudi clubs interested in Partey, with Juventus also keeping close tabs on his situation.
The report further points towards Joao Palhinha as the possible replacement for the Ghanaian. The 28-year-old Premier League ace came close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer. Despite suggestions the Bavarians might return with another offer, they are looking at different ideas.
Arsenal may well have a shot at Palhinha, who also has Manchester City chasing his signature. Liverpool and Chelsea have also shown interest recently. If the Gunners enter the race, then they might have to square it up with Pep Guardiuola’s side once again for a midfielder.
As for Partey, he’s still considered important by Arteta, who will want to see his progress from the latest injury. He will hope the Ghanaian can stay fit, and on preference, he would want him over any other player in that Arsenal midfield alongside Declan Rice.
If there are more problems with his fitness, then Arsenal may not waste too much time in securing reinforcements. Palhinha seems like a fantastic option. Whether the Gunners have the required funds to secure such a significant transfer remains the question.
Like Rice did, palhinha would improve this Arsenal team defensively against the top teams in Europe. He would be a great tactile option to see out games that we have taken the lead.