Arsenal are continuing to ramp up talks with Thomas Partey over a brand new contract at the club, with his current deal expiring this summer.
The midfielder has faced something of an uncertain future over the past year, with mere weeks remaining on his stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Having battled back from previous injury concerns that plagued him, Thomas Partey has become more of a regular in the Arsenal side.
Mikel Arteta has often called upon the Ghanaian international to feature in the deeper midfield role, as well as at right-back when required.
With Arsenal intensifying contract talks with Partey, it may seem obvious that an extension is nearing completion.
However, Andrea Berta must abandon those talks after a new free agent has announced he will be available this summer.
Angel Gomes could be the perfect replacement for Thomas Partey at Arsenal
While Partey has become something of a regular starter at Arsenal, there is a midfield rebuild in the works for Berta to think about.
Some of that begins as Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi, with the Real Sociedad star expected to fill the gap left by Jorginho’s exit as a free agent.
Beyond him, there have been discussions about another midfielder coming in, with Sverre Nypan heavily linked in recent months.
However, with talks over Partey’s deal ramping up, it seems unlikely that a move for another midfielder could happen.
That should change, though, because of the announcement that Angel Gomes will be available as a free agent.
The 24-year-old will leave LOSC Lille this summer, having become a regular for the side after he left Manchester United.
With a spell in the England national team along the way, Gomes has shown his quality in abundance on the big stage.
While smaller in stature, the midfielder is capable of twisting and turning his way out of difficult situations, while his passing ability is top-tier.
Coming in as more mobile and younger than Partey, Gomes may be the sensible long-term replacement in the central ranks.
The former Manchester United man would add plenty to Mikel Arteta’s team without costing a penny in transfer fees.
That, in itself, should be enough to abandon talks with Partey to land the England star for the midfield.
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Roy Keane praised “top quality” Angel Gomes while with England
Angel Gomes could make a huge impact back in the Premier League, should he make the switch back to England.
If Arsenal were to make a move, then Mikel Arteta has already been told exactly how good the star is by Roy Keane.
Speaking on ITV about Gomes’s assist for England against Finland, Keane said: “Real bit of quality. A brilliant goal. If we saw France or Spain scoring a goal like this, we’d be praising him…
“Sharp, these couple of touches on Gomes and this last piece, honestly, I think pure quality, lovely.”
It’s unclear how well Gomes could do back in the Premier League, but it is certainly worth the risk on a free transfer for a player of his quality and age profile.
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