Arsenal have been told they "can't rely" on midfielder Thomas Partey this season and should look to sign a replacement in the January transfer window. It comes after the Ghanaian international has struggled with a number of injuries since joining the club, keeping him out of action.
The 29-year-old has missed five games already this campaign with a slight knock, while a knee issue saw him return to London early from international duty. The role of Partey in the side cannot be understated, tasked with breaking up transitions from the opposition so his teammates can push higher up the pitch.
The midfielder managed to return to fitness in time to face Tottenham in the North London Derby, with his strike from the edge of the box opening the scoring. "It was a great finish, we’ve been waiting for that one," manager Mikel Arteta said on the goal. "The whole crowd has been 'shoot, shoot' for a long time.
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"For what he’s been through with the injuries and the effort he’s put in to be available for the team, I’m so happy for him. He deserves it."
However, with Arsenal pushing for the top four and perhaps more this season, squad depth may remain a concern during such a busy fixture schedule. It has led to former Tottenham star Jermaine Jenas telling the Gunners to try and sign another midfielder to try and bolster their numbers in the January transfer window.
Speaking on Vibe with Five, he said: "You can’t rely on him [Partey]. If I was Edu that would be the first position I’m going for in January, or the summer [transfer window], because you can’t rely on him.
"He is very important and you see the difference when he’s in there but the minute this thing starts to crumble, that position, [Gabriel] Jesus, and you end up with [Eddie] Nketiah, Fabio Vieira, this is a different game we’re talking about."
Arsenal did attempt to make a late move in the summer transfer window for Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, perhaps indicating there was a desire to add to the squad in that department. It remains to be seen if they'll go in for another move for the Brazilian or other midfielders when the window reopens in January.
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