Arsenal identify dream trio as Arteta plans summer spending spree

Cameron Smith

• 6 Feb 2024 18:11 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal have lined up three possible replacements for Thomas Partey, who could leave the club this summer.

Partey, 30, has made just four Premier League appearances so far this season due to groin and hamstring injuries, and he is expected to depart the club at the end of the current campaign.

The midfielder has less than 18 months remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal are open to selling him.

Who will replace Thomas Partey at Arsenal?

Ben Jacobs has told CaughtOffside that Mikel Arteta’s side have three names on their wish-list if Partey does leave this year.

“Arsenal won’t just be looking to add a striker this summer. They still want another midfielder, too, especially if Thomas Partey leaves,” Jacobs said.

“I don’t think it’s a surprise, despite many links of a move away, Partey stayed after Granit Xhaka left. But the summer may be a different story. Partey’s contract expires in summer 2025, so it’s natural Arsenal might now entertain offers.

When asked about which three players the Gunners want to sign, Jacobs replied: “Arsenal still really like Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who they explored bringing to the Emirates Stadium last summer.

"It was clear, however, the player wanted to stay at Sociedad. There is a €60m release clause, but the feeling is Sociedad might consider sales around the €50m mark.

“But right now Zubimendi is loving life at Sociedad and fully focused on the second half of the season. Sociedad are sixth in La Liga and have a last sixteen tie against PSG in the Champions League.

“Zubimendi is settled and that’s why nothing is advanced to date, but I wouldn’t rule out Arsenal trying again this summer. Zubimendi is 25, and that’s significant because if he does want to move to the Premier League this year is probably the right time to do so. Maybe a slightly younger player might wait another year,” he added.

“I still wouldn’t rule out Arsenal trying for Douglas Luiz, but it’s difficult with Aston Villa flying. If they qualify for Champions League football this season, I would expect Luiz to stay.

“Everton’s Amadou Onana is an interesting one as well. It is not true to my knowledge Arsenal advanced anything, or made an offer, in January despite suggestions. However, there is genuine admiration for the Everton midfielder.”