Arsenal handed perfect transfer hijack chance to sign dream Thomas Partey replacement in January

When Arsenal activated the £45million release clause in Thomas Partey's contract at Atletico Madrid in 2020, it would have been difficult to imagine the Gunners being better off without him.

Three years into the future and things have changed both on the pitch and off at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have evolved into one of the Premier League’s best and have spent big to bring the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice to return them to Europe's elite.

During that time, Partey has made over 100 appearances for the north Londoners and was the first-choice defensive midfielder for his first three seasons at the club. However, Rice's club-record arrival from West Ham in the summer partnered with the Ghanaian's unfortunate history with injuries means he has fallen down the ladder.

This season, Arsenal have played 19 games across all competitions. Partey has managed only five appearances and is expected to be out for the remainder of 2023 after undergoing a 'procedure' on his thigh, football.london understands.

It's become significantly clear that Arteta and technical director Edu Gaspar must address the issue and there's no better time than the present. The January transfer window opens in just over a month's time and the Gunners are anticipated to be busy.

A centre-forward, centre-back and wide attacker have all been envisioned in the opening six months of the season, but the uncertainty over Partey's future adds another position into that equation.

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Serie A giants Juventus are one club who are understood to have a strong