Arsenal pointed in the direction of Partey successor amid "perfect player" claim
Thomas Partey's constant injury issues have plagued yet another season for the midfielder at Arsenal and the Ghana international has missed a number of key games.
The ex- Atletico Madrid star has missed clashes against the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool so far this term and has proven that though it is not exactly his fault, Partey cannot be relied upon. The midfielder has made just five appearances across all competitions so far this season, with four coming in the league.
The last of those appearances came in the form of a 15-minute cameo off the bench during the 1-0 win over title rivals Manchester City in October of last year. Many Arsenal fans had hoped that after nearly four-and-a-half months on the treatment table, Partey would return for Sunday's London derby away at West Ham.
However, boss Mikel Arteta made clear the trip to east London will come too soon for Partey. The Arsenal manager told reporters: "With Thomas, unfortunately, we had a little setback a few days ago.
"We’ll see if it’s a matter of days or weeks. But he had a little thing. I’m not a doctor, but he felt something in a very similar area and he wasn’t able to train the last few days."
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Sections of the Emirates faithful are now of the belief that Partey is not someone Arteta can factor into his long-term plans and as a result, a new midfielder must be on the transfer wish-list by the time the window reopens in the summer.
Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has long seemed like the man Arteta has recognised can take his midfield to the next level, however, Premier League legend Stan Collymore has pointed Arsenal in the direction of an alternative target that could be just as impactful.
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Douglas Luiz would be a "perfect player" for Arsenal according to Stan Collymore (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Speaking to Genting Casino, Collymore explained: "I think Douglas [Luiz] is a player that could end up moving on from Villa. I know that he has been linked with a move to Arsenal over the last few transfer windows, and I think he would suit them perfectly
"He can hold onto the ball very well. He is calm, he doesn’t rush things and has fantastic ability on the ball. I can see him fitting into a midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard seamlessly.
"He would be a perfect player for Arsenal. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal come back in for him. It wouldn’t surprise me if that happened, and I wouldn’t begrudge him that move because he has been brilliant for Villa."
Partey's Gunners contract expires at the end of next season, meaning this coming summer presents Arsenal with their last realistic opportunity to cash in on the 30-year-old.
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