‘Arsenal plot move to sign world-class Thomas Partey replacement’
Arsenal are plotting a move to sign a world-class midfielder as they eye replacements for the outgoing Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Gunners’ scouts are considering a number of options.
Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad in the summer as he plans to take his team a step further and win the Premier League title next season.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 33, will leave Arsenal upon the expiry of their contracts at the Emirates in June.
Partey has played an especially important role in Arteta’s team this season with 46 appearances across all competitions, and will be missed in their midfield.
As a result, they are determined to replace him with an improved option and have been considering a number of options including Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal plotting new midfielder deal after Real Madrid twist
Brown told Football Insider that Real Madrid have joined the race for Zubimendi causing a stumbling block in Arsenal’s pursuit of the Spaniard.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that they want a midfielder who can get the best out of Declan Rice.
“They’re serious about their ambitions to win the Premier League,” he told Football Insider.
“Partey has had a good season for Arsenal, but is he a top-tier player? They think they can do better.
“It looks like he’s going to leave, and so is Jorginho.
“Declan Rice does a lot for that midfield, he works so hard and does a bit of everything.
“They want a midfielder who is going to get the best out of his abilities and so he doesn’t have to cover for anybody else who might not be pulling their weight.
“If they can bring in a real world-class midfielder, which is what they want, it would improve them significantly and help them in that title challenge.”
Mikel Arteta plots Arda Guler swoop after scouting missions
Another potential addition to the Arsenal midfield is Real Madrid sensation Arda Guler, as he has failed to make an impact since moving to Spain from Fenerbahce.
Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal scouts have been watching Guler and they are now among a number of clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
His ability to play both in midfield and on the wing has placed him firmly on Arsenal’s list, and they could make a move for his signature this summer.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in September that Arsenal want to sign an alternative to Odegaard amid concerns about the strength in depth in their squad.
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