Mikel Arteta won’t be happy with latest Thomas Partey contract updates as Arsenal manager made one thing clear

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Thomas Partey is now looking increasingly likely to leave Arsenal this summer, with contract talks seemingly stalling.

Jorginho left Arsenal for Flamengo earlier this summer, with the Italian departing after his contract expired at the end of the season.

While Martin Zubimendi is expected to sign for £55 million, the Ghanaian and the former Chelsea man both leaving would still leave the Gunners one short in the middle of the park.

It initially appeared Partey would stay at the Emirates after the North London club offered him a new contract.

However, reports emerged on Tuesday indicating that Partey may now leave due to not being satisfied with the offer on the table from Arsenal.

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Mikel Arteta will be frustrated by Thomas Partey’s potential exit

Enjoying his most injury-free campaign since his arrival in N5 last season, Partey made 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering two assists in the process.

This prompted the Gunners to enter contract talks with the 32-year-old, although Fabrizio Romano has now verified reports suggesting that these negotiations are not advancing.

While many feel now is the right time to move on from a player who has historically suffered from persistent injury issues, Mikel Arteta does not share that sentiment.

Arteta revealed that he wants Partey to stay towards the back end of last season, claiming that he’s an important player for Arsenal.

The Spaniard will therefore be somewhat irate with those working on deals above him if the new contract for the former Atletico Madrid man does fall through.

The Gunners boss will feel he needs all the tools in place for pre-season for him to launch an assault on major honours next season, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he may be operating with something of a depleted side for the upcoming friendlies.

This doesn’t bode well for his working relationship with new sporting director Andrea Berta.

• READ MORE: Who is Lucien Agoume? Everything you need to know about Arsenal’s £17m transfer target

Arsenal should replace Thomas Partey with Lucien Agoume

While Arteta may be frustrated by the potential outcome for Partey, it’s astute from Berta not to offer the Ghana international the money he supposedly wants.

With Zubimendi set to arrive, Partey would likely play more of a peripheral role next season, and his prospective wage package should reflect this.

Currently earning a purported £200,000 a week (via Capology), paying him any more to be a squad player would be a poor use of resources.

Thus, the Gunners should start looking at replacements, and Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume looks to be one of the most enticing options on the market.

Arsenal have been linked with Agoume, who starred in Sevilla’s midfield in La Liga last season and is currently playing for the France under-21s at the Euros.

As shown by the data above, Agoume is capable both in possession and out of possession.

Efficient at progressing the ball, the 23-year-old has an impressive passing range whilst also being excellent at preventing opposition attacks with his aggressive tackling.

He looks to be the perfect Partey replacement.