Two clubs are interested in Thomas Partey as Mikel Arteta considers a massive Arsenal summer rebuild.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could lose both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka this summer, with the former linked with a move to a pair of Italian top flight clubs. Arteta is prepared to rebuild his whole Arsenal midfield in preparation for another title assault next season.
Granit Xhaka has already given a strong indication that he will leave this summer, promising an announcement on his future this week, with Bayer Leverkusen keen to recruit the Switzerland midfielder.
Thomas Partey is also a target for Serie A clubs, and the Ghana midfielder might make his next career move to Italy this summer, with two clubs reportedly interested.
Partey, who turns 30 next month, was a vital role in Arsenal’s title challenge this season, but his slump in form in the final few weeks has only highlighted the need for significant team reinforcements.
Arsenal have made Declan Rice their top summer transfer target, with West Ham willing to sell their England midfielder to a Champions League club for more than £100 million. They are still interested in Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
Arteta has also been connected with a move for Manchester City’s experienced midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who is out of contract this summer but could yet stay, and Barcelona.
Arsenal is one of several clubs interested in Chelsea’s England star Mason Mount, with Liverpool and Manchester United also interested. Mauricio Pochettino, the new manager of Chelsea, may also struggle to keep him.
Xhaka, 30, has been at Arsenal for seven years. Arteta regards him highly as a player and a person, but if he departs, it will be with the club’s blessing and goodwill as a farewell gesture for his service and devotion.
Xhaka appears to have made his decision about his future, and when asked directly after Arsenal’s loss to Nottingham Forest, he said: “You will know next week, for sure.” “Prior to the Wolves game.”I believe the fans deserve it. I feel the same way. We have one more week of the Premier League season, and I want to enjoy it as much as you do.”
Xhaka also expressed an emotional desire to perform “something special” this season, as though ready to say farewell.
“Where I was three years ago and where I am today, I think I’ve grown up as a person and I’ve gotten my respect back,” he said. “Everything was fine in the locker room, but I got it back from the fans.”
“When I mentioned anything exceptional…I mean, how else can I put it? Where I’ve gone, how I’ve returned, and my comeback, might this be the first time in Premier League history?
“It makes me happy.” It makes me happy. But this is my narrative, my journey. I was surprised by how well the crowd treated me, but I am grateful. “I’d like to repay them for possibly my final game on Sunday.”This season, I wanted to do something unique, perhaps with a title, but it’s not the right moment. Let’s see what the future has in store.”
Arsenal are expecting a significant set of ins and outs this summer, which may come as a surprise after an unexpected season in which they were not anticipated to fight for the title.
Kierney Tierney and Rob Holding are also possible departures, while Reiss Nelson will become a free agent. Emile Smith Rowe might also be offloaded as they attempt to bolster their options, with Leicester’s James Maddison another target.
After such a strong season, the mounting concern about some of their futures has coincided with a drop in form throughout the final stretch.
Arsenal wants to bolster their midfield, but they also want defensive reinforcements and a dynamic winger to replace Bukayo Saka, who has run out of steam after playing so many games. They could yet hunt for another striker with physical presence.
What is known is that Arteta sees this summer as the most important transfer window of his tenure as Arsenal manager because the Gunners need to get back on track to fight Manchester City.
