Arsenal ‘identify’ Thomas Partey replacement as Mikel Arteta gets £77m January transfer chance

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s management are preparing for the January transfer window, which is approaching quickly. They are ready to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise, but Arteta has made it clear that he does not expect a busy month. Last year, Arsenal did not make any new signings in January, and it seems likely that the same will happen in 2025 unless something changes. Arteta has spoken about his expectations for the winter transfer period, stating that while he does not anticipate major activity, the club is prepared for any surprises or opportunities that might come up. The manager hopes the squad will be in better condition in the coming weeks, and they will wait to see how things unfold before making any decisions. However, with the window approaching, some significant updates regarding potential transfers have already emerged, particularly concerning the future of Thomas Partey and the possibility of adding a new striker to the squad.

One of the key updates surrounding Arsenal’s transfer activity involves Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian international whose contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024/2025 season. There have been no significant discussions about offering him a new contract, which has led to speculation about his future. As a result, clubs from abroad could approach Partey in January with the intention of securing a pre-contract agreement to sign him at the end of the season. Arsenal, meanwhile, are reportedly considering their options and have already identified potential replacements for the midfielder. One name that has been mentioned as a possible replacement is Lucien Agoume, a 22-year-old midfielder currently playing for Sevilla. Agoume has already made nearly 100 senior appearances, having come through the academy at Inter Milan, and he is highly regarded as a promising talent capable of playing at the top level.

If Arsenal does part ways with Partey, it will mark the end of his time at the club, following more than three seasons of service. Despite some injury issues, Partey has continued to feature in Arteta’s plans, providing valuable versatility, especially in recent weeks when defensive injuries forced him to play as a full-back. However, the general feeling is that if Arsenal wants to continue progressing and improving their squad, they may need to move on from Partey in the near future. While he has been an important player for the team, the club may now be looking toward younger players with a long-term vision for the future. Other names, such as Martin Zubimendi, have also been linked as possible replacements, but Agoume is a new name that has emerged in the conversation.

Alongside the Partey update, another key development involves the possibility of Arsenal signing a new striker in January. One potential target is Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani, who has been struggling for form since making the move from Eintracht Frankfurt to PSG. Kolo Muani, a French international, had a breakout season in the Bundesliga with Frankfurt, scoring 16 goals, but he has not been able to replicate that success at PSG. Despite this, his talent is still widely recognized, and Arteta may see an opportunity to help him rediscover his best form at Arsenal. Kolo Muani’s situation has raised questions about whether he could be available for a move in January. He was recently left out of PSG’s squad to face Monaco, leading to speculation about his future at the club. Although Arsenal has not been directly linked with a move for him, it is possible that the club could explore the option of signing him on loan with an obligation to buy. A loan deal could offer Arsenal the chance to assess Kolo Muani’s form before committing to a permanent transfer.

There are some considerations regarding the potential structure of such a deal. Arsenal may not want to commit to an obligation to buy, as this could limit their flexibility in the summer transfer window, when they will likely be looking to sign another striker. If Kolo Muani does not perform as expected during his loan spell, Arsenal would not want to be tied to a permanent deal. However, if the deal could be structured as a simple loan with no obligation to buy, it might be a low-risk move for Arsenal, allowing them to assess the player without making a long-term commitment. Kolo Muani’s ability to score goals has already been proven, and with the right support and system, he could potentially thrive under Arteta’s guidance.

The possibility of signing Kolo Muani is just one example of the kinds of moves Arsenal may consider during the January transfer window. The club is always looking for ways to strengthen its squad, and with the end of Partey’s contract approaching, it makes sense for the club to explore potential replacements in midfield as well as options for bolstering their attacking options. The winter transfer window is often a difficult time to make significant moves, as many clubs are reluctant to sell key players midway through the season. However, with Arteta’s squad currently dealing with some injury issues and with an eye on maintaining their challenge at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal could look for a short-term solution that helps strengthen the squad for the remainder of the season.

Fans and pundits alike will be closely monitoring Arsenal’s actions in the transfer market, and there is a sense that the club may need to make some key decisions if they are to continue their upward trajectory. While Arteta has already stated that he does not expect a busy January, there is still the potential for some surprises and unexpected opportunities to arise. As the club works through their options, the decisions made in the coming weeks could have a significant impact on their chances of success in both domestic and European competitions. Arsenal’s transfer strategy will likely be shaped by a combination of short-term needs and long-term goals, and Arteta and his team will need to carefully assess each potential deal to ensure they are making the right decisions for the future of the club.

Overall, the January transfer window promises to be an interesting period for Arsenal, with key decisions surrounding the futures of players like Thomas Partey and potential new arrivals such as Kolo Muani. While Arsenal may not be active in the market as they were in previous windows, the club is always looking for ways to improve the squad, and any opportunities that arise will likely be taken into consideration. As the window approaches, it will be fascinating to see how Arsenal navigates the transfer market and whether they can strengthen their squad for the second half of the season. The next few weeks could prove crucial for Arteta and his team as they look to continue their progress and challenge for silverware in 2025.