Arsenal scouts watch £18m Thomas Partey replacement, he’s welcomed interest before

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Arsenal have been scouting a number of midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window, and Bayer Leverkusen’s strong form has attracted them to one of their stars.

Midfielder Exequiel Palacios has been excellent alongside former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, and he could now be a contender to help fill the void left by him.

Thomas Partey could depart in the summer, with his injury issues proving problematic for Arsenal this season, as he has not been able to line up in midfield at all.

It seems likely that Arsenal could sign more than one midfielder in the summer, with Martin Zubimendi linked as a major target, and Ezequiel Fernandez recently named as a wildcard young player.

Arsenal scout Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios

A report from HITC Football has now revealed that Arsenal scouts were in attendance as Bayer Leverkusen beat RB Leipzig 3-2 in a huge clash at the top end of the Bundesliga this weekend.

Several players were on the agenda, including Leipzig striker Lois Openda, but it has also emerged that Palacios is on Arsenal’s radar as a possible midfield target.

The 25-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Leverkusen this season, at both the base of midfield and slightly further forward, and has scored five times and assisted twice.

Could Palacios be a good Partey replacement?

Palacios could certainly be a strong addition to the Arsenal midfield as the final missing piece alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Kai Havertz has failed to replace Xhaka’s ability to progress the ball in the middle of the park, but this is a different story when it comes to the 28-cap Argentinian.

Palacios ranks in the top 13% of European midfielders for ball progression, as well as the top 10% for passing and pass accuracy. He also packs a punch, as he ranks in the top 6% for tackles and interceptions.

He joined Leverkusen in December 2019 from River Plate for around £18m, and was linked with Arsenal at the time.

“I’m proud clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal are interested in me,” he stated in 2019 before leaving River Plate.

Nearly five years later, he may finally have the chance to complete a move to Arsenal as a midfielder who can slot in instantly for the long-term, and he could be someone who finally replaces Xhaka’s passing, as well as replacing Partey’s defensive ability, and can rotate between a defensive role and one further forward with Rice.