Arsenal have been trying for the past year to replace Thomas Partey but finally have an attainable transfer target to fill his likely void in Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade.
That is according to Dean Jones, who notes that Arsenal have spent the last year discussing selling Partey. The Gunners have held regular debates at Emirates Stadium over the 30-year-old’s future in north London. They have also identified multiple options who could take over.
But the varying fees associated with the players Arsenal have identified as Partey’s potential replacement have delayed their activity. So, the discussions over his future have taken place in the background to their other signings. Yet the upcoming January sales might be different.
Andre is an attainable target for Arsenal to replace Partey
Arsenal are looking at the next transfer window as the one to sign Partey’s replacement. The Emirates Stadium team have further marked Andre as a worthy candidate as Fluminense are willing to sell. Liverpool have also now put any interest in the 22-year-old on the backburner.
So, Fulham will likely be Arsenal’s biggest rival in any tussle over Andre’s transfer in the New Year. The Brazilian is also looking to move to England once Fluminense finish their domestic campaign. Andre has spent his entire career so far with the club for 163 senior matches yet.
Liverpool are cooling their interest right now over the valuation Fluminense have slapped on Andre. But Jones notes that Andre is likely a more attainable target for Arsenal than Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa or Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad during the January transfer market.
The Gunners are open to offers for Arteta’s transfer
Recent reports from Football Transfers have noted that Fluminense value Andre at €30-40m (£26-35m) amid rival interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils have approached the Tricolor about a deal, too. Old Trafford chiefs view him as a possible successor for Casemiro.
So, along with Fulham, Arsenal may have to battle Manchester United for Andre’s transfer to replace Partey in January. Jones’ claims also follow reports from football.london that Arsenal are open to offers for Partey. His departure would help them get a more costly replacement.
Arsenal have spent the past year looking to replace Partey but are advancing their position after his latest injury. Mikel Arteta signed the Ghanaian from Atletico Madrid for £45.5m in October 2020. But a host of fitness problems have plagued his career in the English capital.
Partey has so far endured two injury-related absences this season and will not play again in 2023. He initially sustained a groin injury against Fulham in August. But the midfielder Yaya Toure calls ‘unbelievable’ has since required a small procedure after suffering a thigh injury.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
