For a long time, I have bashed the drum about looking to bring someone in who can become the long term-replacement to Thomas Partey.
Partey is one of the best in the world in that defensive midfield position. Up there with Rodri in the Premier League in their ability to do 2 man’s work in that position.
But Prtey he has his injury concerns.
In the 3 years since joining The Arsenal, he has averaged just 33 games a season across all competition. This year he played the most (40 appearances), but had just 29 starts.
As the season reached it’s conclusion, it was clear that Partey had run out of steam, and his performances dropped off a cliff dramatically.
On his day, Partey is world class. But as we move forward as a club to compete on 4 fronts, we need someone who can carry the load.
We will probably play around 60 games next year. Based on recent history, Partey will only be able to play half of those at the highest level. And that is why we are in the market for a younger player with similar attributes.
The two names that have been linked with are Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Both men have similar attributes to Partey, but playing at their best are not at his level. Although they do have the potential to reach it.
For all intents and purposes, Caicedo or Lavia would have become Partey’s understudy.
You play Partey in those biggest games. Manchester City, Newcastle United, in the Champions League. Then for the smaller games – Luton Town, Tottenham, the League Cup, you rotate in his understudy.
You do this for a year, and then next year the positions potentially switch with the apprentice becoming the master.
Come 2025, Partey’s contract will expire and his understudy would then be more than ready to step up and take on the role full-time.
The future planning would mean that we could afford to lose Partey on a free as his replacement would already be in place. We would then not be looking to buy to replace Partey as a regular starter, but buy to replace Partey as a back-up dancer.
Caicedo looks like he is off to Chelsea, which leaves us with Lavia.
Our scouting report on the 3 ranked Partey as number 1, Caicedo 2 and Lavia 3. This was not a surprise when you consider Partey’s experience, and that Caicedo is 2 years older than Lavia.
Of the 3, Lavia is certainly the rawest. Which brings me to the question: Can Arsenal afford to let Partey go if they sign Lavia?
I think it will be a big risk to sell Partey and buy Lavia. The drop in experience will be huge. Although we do also have Jorginho.
We would be (in theory) going from Partey as first choice and Lavia his understudy, to Lavia being first choice and Jorginho as an experienced back up. It just feels a year too early for Lavia to be first choice at a top club.
It should also be remembered that when Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas burst on the scen as teenagers, they were part of a midfield 2 and guided by more experienced players (Emmanuel Petit and Gilberto Silva). Lavia will often be on his own in the middle of the park.
Off the field, I get why Arsenal have said to Partey that if he can find a suitor, they would be willing to let him go.
It is illogical for one of Arsenal’s highest earners (Partey on £200k a week) to basically be a part-time player and only be available for 50% of the game. Do the financial reasons to sell Partey outweigh the experience reasons to keep him?
Partey is 30 years old, has a questionable injury history and 2-years left on his contract. If a Saudi team came in with an offer (reported to be around £45million), then it would be a great deal for Arsenal.
With Declan Rice and Kai Havertz potentially incoming, the only way we can probably afford Lavia is by selling Partey.
Those two transfers will see us spend close to £160m. add in Jurrien Timber and it will be £200m spent. Any further transfers will only happen with sales.
So signing Lavia this summer asunderstudy to Partey is not something we can afford. We also can not wait until next year due to a £45m-buy-back-clause that Manchester City have.
That leaves us with the option of either sticking with Partey, seeing his value decline in 12 months and needing to still buy someone. Or cash in now and recycle that income into some new, fresh, without the injury problems and on half the wages.
Experience concerns could be expelled if we recruit Rice. He would be an option at 6 alongside Jorginho.
I could see us, against big teams, go with Rice and Lavia together. And then when we want to play more attacking against smaller teams, go with Rice and Havertz. With Jorginho providing further cover.
Initially I felt that we could not sign someone as raw as Lavia to replace Partey. That a signing should be made alongside him. But as I write this my mind has switched.
We could afford to sell Partey and sign Lavia.
Do not expect Partey to depart soon. He will be unable to move to a club abroad until early-mid July due to personal reasons.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 
Rice is partey replacement, Latvia Rice understudy. Havertz comes in for Xakha when we need offences, Rice and Party/ Lavia when nerding more defensive fibers
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