Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey suffered another injury setback after missing their last few games.
The Ghanaian international will reportedly be out for the rest of 2023 and may not return until February, as he will join the Black Stars for the African Cup of Nations early next year.
Constant injury problems have plagued Partey since he joined the Gunners in 2020.
He has barely featured in the Arsenal starting line-up due to his niggling problems, leaving the Gunners light in midfield.
Manager Mikel Arteta will be desperate to get another top option through the door in the January transfer window.
We explore a few potential midfield signings they could make to strengthen their ranks.
Kalvin Phillips
The Englishman is desperate to make the England squad for the 2024 European Championship and has decided to leave Manchester City for game time.
Phillips has been languishing on the City bench for over a year and has grown tired of being a bench option. He is now open to a move away.
Serie A giants Juventus have had an eye on him as a potential replacement for the suspended Nicolo Fagioli and soon-to-be-banned Paul Pogba.
However, the Gunners should consider a move for the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’.
He already has Premier League experience and has international experience playing alongside Declan Rice. He would seamlessly slot into Arteta’s side.
The only lingering question is if City boss Pep Guardiola will be willing to hand his challengers more tools to mount for the title race.
Andre Trindade
The Brazilian midfielder has been earning rave reviews for his performances for Fluminense and has been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal.
With Arsenal Sporting director Edu Gaspar’s knowledge of the Brazilian market, he could be eyeing a January move for Andre.
The two-cap Selecao international has been impressive in the Brasileiro Serie A and has shown his prowess in the Copa Libertadores, helping his side to win the title this year.
Andre continues to impress, and many foresee him having a promising future with the national team for years to come.
He has made 1.1 interceptions, two tackles, and 7.8 ball recoveries per game in the league this season. He is also exceptional with his passing, recording 76 passes per game with 95% accuracy.
The 2022 Brasileiro Serie A defensive midfielder of the year doesn’t just play it safe. He also records excellent progressive passing (5.98 per 90) and carrying (1.64 per game).
He will cost around £40 million, and the Gunners could make a wise move by pushing for him.
Douglas Luiz
The Aston Villa midfielder has carried his fine form from last season into the current campaign.
Luiz has bagged six goals and two assists in 18 appearances this term as Villa continue to fly high.
He has formed a formidable central midfield partnership with Boubacar Kamara for Unai Emery’s side.
Arsenal have already shown interest in Luiz last summer and could revisit a move for him in the winter window due to the Partey injury.
Luiz would add steel and goals to Arsenal’s midfield. He records 0.5 interceptions and 2.4 tackles and recovers the ball six times per game.
He also has Premier League experience, which could make his transition smoother. He will be an exciting signing for Arsenal if they can get their hands on him.
