Yet to agree a new contract with Arsenal, Thomas Partey will be a free agent in less than a week’s time.
Arsenal had planned to make significant changes to their midfield this summer, hence their decision to replace Jorginho with Martin Zubimendi.
But many believed that Thomas Partey would stay — a midfielder who played 52 games under Mikel Arteta last season.
However, Partey will leave Arsenal as things stand, and new sporting director Andrea Berta will have another job on his hands replacing the 31-year-old.
With Declan Rice now considered best as a number eight, Arsenal will need another number six to dovetail with Zubimendi, and unless Arteta convinces Albert Sambi Lokonga to stay, the Gunners will need to head to the transfer market.
Arsenal can finally sign Douglas Luiz for a bargain fee
Fortunately, a cost-effective solution has just prevailed for Arsenal — Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.
27-year-old Luiz has already amassed 175 appearances in the Premier League in his career to date, a player who starred for Aston Villa over the years.
But having made the switch from Villa to Juventus last summer, things simply haven’t worked out in Italy.
Douglas Luiz during Atalanta v Juventus - Serie A
Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images
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Of course, the Brazilian was a long-term target for the Gunners, and Arsenal were interested in Luiz in January when it appeared that Jorginho might move on.
And given that interest, now could be the perfect time for Arsenal to make a fresh approach for Luiz given that Tuttosport believe he could be sold for only £21m this summer.
Berta can search far and wide for a new number six this summer but he won’t find better value — a midfielder who also has 18 caps for Brazil.
And whilst Luiz hasn’t had a great time in Italy, he could still be the perfect player to switch in and out for Zubimendi in N5.
Douglas Luiz and Martin Zubimendi can thrive in the same Arsenal team
Of course, it’s worth pointing out that Luiz and Zubimendi could also play in the same midfield if needed.
The Brazilian has always had an eye for a goal in England and often popped up in attacking areas towards the end of his time working with Unai Emery.
And if Arsenal were able to sign Luiz, Arteta would finally be able to deploy a midfield he could fully trust whilst handing a rest to Rice.
Rice played 52 games last season and the relentless pressure on the 26-year-old is bound to catch up with him in time.
But if Arsenal make the right additions over the next few months then they could avoid a lot of the burnout that Arteta’s side seem to often endure two thirds into the league season.