Arsenal can solve glaring problem by swapping Partey for Serie A goal machine
Arsenal could – and probably should – consider offering Thomas Partey in a swap deal for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. Partey’s future has been up in the air since the summer, with the midfielder linked with Juventus and clubs from Saudi Arabia.
The Ghana international ended up staying put but talk of an exit has intensified again in recent weeks ahead of the January transfer window. Arsenal, therefore, are said to already be looking at possible replacements for him with the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Douglas Luiz high on their list.
Another area Arsenal are looking to bolster is in the attacking department. Gabriel Jesus has only scored one Premier League goal all season while Eddie Nketiah has fared better, albeit while not being prolific with just five to his name.
It’s a problem that Arsenal transfer chief Edu has been urged to address if the Gunners want to challenge for the Premier League title again this season. Several pundits, including ex-Arsenal star Alan Smith, have claimed Arteta’s men need a real goalscoring No 9 to compete with Manchester City.
Whether or not one will be signed in January remains to be seen but there are discussions going on in the background about possible striker targets. Juventus’ Vlahovic is one name who has been mentioned, having attracted strong interest from the Gunners in the past.
Doing a deal for the Serbian goal machine won’t be easy but Arsenal could use Partey as a sweetener to get it over the line. Real Madrid are also said to be interested in Vlahovic but Arsenal have the advantage of proposing a player-plus-cash offer. Reports in Italy claim Juventus have stepped up their interest in the Ghana international despite his recent injury record.
Foot Mercato, meanwhile, claim a meeting between the club and Partey’s agent has already taken place with Juve looking for a Paul Pogba replacement ahead of the January window.
With Arsenal needing a quality striker and Juventus keen on Partey, it would make sense for Edu to offer his services in a bid to strike a cheaper deal for Vlahovic – a player they’ve wanted for some years now.
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