Mikel Arteta sanctions brutal double Arsenal exit with two replacement targets already identified
Arsenal are reportedly ‘willing’ to let two midfielders leave the club this summer: Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Mikel Arteta has made improving his midfield his key focus in the transfer window. For example, West Ham captain Declan Rice is considered to be their main target.
Also, Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia has recently emerged as a key target. So, it will be interesting to see if they sign both of them in the near future.
Now, bringing in the duo has become even more pressing, with Partey now considered surplus to requirements by Arteta.
This was revealed by reputed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. On Twitter, he wrote: “Understand there’s a concrete chance for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal this summer.
“Clubs are interested and there are discussions about his exit. His current contract expires in June 2025 and there are no talks to extend as of today.
“Arsenal’s priority is still Declan Rice.”
In 2022/23, Partey played a key role in an impressive season for Arsenal. Generally playing in defensive midfield, the 30-year-old made 33 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals in the process.
Nevertheless, Arteta is now willing to sanction Parety’s exit, in favour of more long-term options like Rice and Lavia.
However, he might not be the only midfielder leaving the Emirates this summer.
Lokonga spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan with Crystal Palace. Patrick Vieira initially gave him plenty of playing time. But, when Roy Hodgson replaced him at Selhurst Park, his minutes diminished significantly.
The 23-year-old is highly thought of by Arsenal. But, it seems unlikely he would break into Arteta’s starting XI next season. Therefore, another loan may be the best thing for his development.
Indeed, according to a report from the Daily Mail, Burnley are interested in signing Lokonga on loan.
Vincent Kompany is expected to make several signings as he looks to keep the Clarets in the Premier League. Now, Arsenal are reportedly ‘willing to allow’ Lokonga to go on another loan spell.
Interestingly, the report also claims that Sevilla held an interest in Lokonga until recently.
A switch to the Spanish club would have enabled him to experience LaLiga and the Champions League for the first time in his career.
However, their interest was established when Monchi was still their sporting director – who has now taken up a role at Aston Villa.
Villa have already brought in Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer. So, it seems unlikely they would go in for Lokonga too.
As a result, Burnley are in pole position to sign the midfielder on loan, as it stands.
With that in mind, we could see both Partey and Lokonga leave the Emirates. So, the need to bring in Rice and perhaps Lavia has just become even more pressing.
