10 November 2023 , 08:24
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It was the news that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta did not want, but a huge injury blow to Thomas Partey will now almost certainly mean more work for the Spanish boss in the January transfer window.
The Ghanaian midfielder has started just three times in the Premier League this season following a troublesome groin issue. But he seemed set to hand the Gunners a major boost by travelling for last month’s Champions League trip to Sevilla, only to then break down in training on the eve of the clash.
It has since been confirmed that Partey, 30, has undergone a specialist procedure for treatment on a thigh injury and is now set to miss the remainder of 2023. Currently in a leg brace, it is unclear when he will be cleared to return, with the matter complicated by the scheduled Africa Cup of Nations in January, a tournament that Ghana will inevitably select him for if fit.
Kai Havertz was signed to fill the hole left by Granit Xhaka's departure, but has thus far struggled since his move from Chelsea. That, along with Martin Odegaard's own injury problems, has left Arteta with problems to solve in the middle of the park.
Mirror Football has listed the five main Arsenal targets for Arteta has he weighs up how best to replace his key man....
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Martin Zubimendi
Real Sociedad have just qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League for the first time in their history, and it's no small thanks to this man..
The 24-year-old's ability to keep the ball in tight spaces has drawn favourable comparisons with Barcelona legend Xavi. He has two international caps to his name, and Arsenal's spending power limited by their £200million summer spree, Zubimendi is an option that wouldn't break the bank.
However, an added complication has emerged. Thomas Tuchel's stated desire to bring a holding midfielder to Bayern Munich has led to the German champions being linked with the 2020 Copa del Rey winner, a notion that will only serve to drive up his market value.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is impressing in La LigaHAVE YOUR SAY! Who should Arsenal target to replace Thomas Partey? Comment below.
Ruben Neves
With FFP regulations making any big-money swoops unlikely, a loan move for a player already proven in the Premier League could be just the ticket for Arteta.
Newcastle had initially appeared the favourites to land the Portuguese star, but their plans could soon be scuppered. With Neves essentially owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Premier League clubs are set to vote to ban teams loaning players from clubs under the same ownership in January.
That could give Arsenal a clear run at the Al-Hilal midfielder. And a temporary move means the 26-year-old won't have to give up on his lucrative contract in Saudi.
Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has been linked with a loan move to Newcastle (Getty Images)Amadou Onana
One which would test Stan Kroenke's purse strings, but a player who was heavily linked with Arsenal last year.
The Belgian international arrived at Everton in the summer of 2022 on a £33million deal from Lille, and has since been one of the few bright spots of the Sean Dyche era. So persuading the Toffees boss to part with his midfield man midway through another turbulent campaign won't be straightforward.
However, the Merseyside club's financial problems have been well documented, and Dyche essentially has to sell before he can add his own reinforcements. That factor could yet see Arsenal swoop in a cut-price deal.
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
Andre Onana joined Everton in the summer of 2022 for £33million (Getty Images)Andre
Moving for a player based in Brazil and yet to sample European football would represent a risk for Arteta, but Andre is a 22-year-old with credentials.
The midfielder helped inspire Fluminese to their dramatic Copa Libertadores win this year, and also made his international debut. His performances have not gone under the radar in England though, with Liverpool also linked.
His current deal at the club runs until December 2026, so bosses are unlikely to be willing to let him go without a fight. But for the player the glamour of the Premier League, and Champions League, could be a persuasive factor if the Gunners were to swoop.
Joao Neves
Only 19, but a player brimming with potential.
The Benfica star is already a Primeira League winner and has forced his way into the Portugal senior set-up. And signing him now, could well save Arsenal a good few million extra in the long run.
Neves, 18, is already an established regular in Benfica's starting line-up (Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)Whether Arteta would gamble on a player still relatively inexperienced at the mid-point of the season remains to be seen. But one things for sure, if Arsenal don't make a move, the teenager won't be plying his club trade at Benfica for too much longer.