Latest Arsenal transfer news with Mikel Arteta handed a great opportunity to sign a Thomas Partey replacement following his latest injury setback

Arsenal may have a chance to sign Amadou Onana in the January transfer window

Mikel Arteta may be able to sign a Thomas Partey replacement in the January transfer window by using an FFP concern to Arsenal’s advantage. The defensive midfielder has dealt with a number of injuries throughout his four years at the Emirates Stadium; however, those muscular issues have significantly increased in the 2023–24 campaign, with Partey already missing a number of months.

At the start of the season, Partey was handed a new role at right back, with new signing Jurrien Timber implemented into Arteta’s system on the opposite flank until his severe knee injury. Prior to the Manchester United clash in September, Arteta was forced to change those plans further as Partey also picked up an injury.

He was welcomed back in October, but only managed a number of cameo appearances from the bench before another concern emerged that he needed a minor procedure to fix. The 30-year-old has been out of action since then, with a January return date pushed back further following Ghana’s squad announcement for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club,” Black Stars boss Chris Hughton admitted when asked about Partey’s absence. “They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had.”

With it likely Partey is not back until February at the earliest, Arteta may feel he needs further midfield depth, and the January transfer window may provide the perfect replacement. The Gunners have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent windows, with Everton’s Amadou Onana being a name that comes up frequently.

The Belgium international has been in impressive form for the Toffees this season and has played a huge role in guiding them back up the Premier League table following their ten-point deduction for breaking Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) earlier in the season.