Arsenal may look to replace injury-prone midfielder Thomas Partey in the January transfer window, but this may be easier said than done.
Despite his injury problems, Partey is a top-class midfielder when fit, and could help solve Arsenal’s issues in the middle of the park this season.
However, recent reports have indicated that Partey wants to leave, and he may depart in January as he is expected to be unavailable until February anyway.
Andre of Fluminense has been linked, but another target has now emerged in Youssouf Fofana from Monaco.
Arsenal interested in Youssouf Fofana
A report from 90min has now claimed that Arsenal are eyeing up the 24-year-old as a long-term replacement for Partey, having been linked with him before.
Fofana is out of contract at the end of the season but Monaco are set to activate an automatic one-year extension, whilst Liverpool and Newcastle are also keen on the defensive midfielder.
Arsenal want a natural number six to help replace the ageing Partey and Jorginho, and Fofana may be seen as someone who can add quality to the position alongside Declan Rice.
The Gunners were linked with Fofana as an alternative to Rice in the summer, and he had a £30m price tag back then, with it unclear how much this will now change based on the interest in him.
Arsenal should sign Fofana
Replacing Partey will not be an easy task, but Fofana has the attributes to do so, whilst also being of the perfect age profile as someone who can step in immediately whilst also having the long-term future in mind.
Fofana has been described as “magnificent,” and he has made 151 appearances for Monaco in all competitions.
He can provide a strong blend of physicality as well as technical ability, to help replace Partey’s passing from deep positions, and should he arrive, he could provide the support for Rice to push forward more and become a goal threat.
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