Arsenal is currently in negotiations regarding a new contract, and they have a prospective fourth option to replace Thomas Partey.
Although Arsenal’s primary concern is the acquisition of new players, the club must undertake additional tasks this summer that extend beyond recruitment. During the final home encounter of the season, Mikel Arteta disclosed that numerous players are anticipated to depart the club for a variety of reasons.
“It is evident that we require players, as the squad is severely understaffed. Additionally, we are losing four or five players who are nearing the conclusion of their contracts and their loans have been completed,” he stated. “Consequently, it is imperative that we maintain our acuity.”
“We are once again extremely disciplined in our approach and will ensure that we are well-prepared for the upcoming season.”
It is not exceedingly challenging to determine the identities of those four or five individuals. The termination of contracts and loans will result in the departure of Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Neto, and Raheem Sterling. Additionally, there is a possibility of exits related to sales.
Up until Declan Rice’s arrival in 2023, the club endured numerous instances of Partey’s absence due to injury during his five-year tenure. The club acquired Albert Sambi Lokonga, a youthful midfielder, in 2021. Lokonga frequently served as a substitute for Partey when the former Atletico Madrid midfielder was unwell.
He was on loan with Sevilla for the most recent season; however, he was unable to avoid multiple injuries, similar to Partey. His performances for the Spanish team were disrupted by hamstring injuries, and the club has elected not to exercise the purchase clause in his contract, which is estimated to be worth approximately £10 million.
He has the potential to rejoin the club and serve as a fourth option on the six-man roster, following the anticipated debut of Martin Zubimendi and Partey. Arteta has emphasised the club’s diminutive stature, which suggests that an additional player could be advantageous.
Nevertheless, this outcome is the least probable, and it is more likely that he will depart the club permanently this summer. The club would prefer a permanent sale; however, the extent of interest in the Belgian remains uncertain.
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