Paul Merson has called on Arsenal to sign cover for the ‘absolutely outstanding’ Thomas Partey.
Mikel Arteta’s side picked up where they left off before the World Cup by beating West Ham United 3-1 on Boxing Day.
Now, Arsenal are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
They are firmly Premier League title contenders but Merson has a worry about Partey.
The £45 million signing from 2020 [Sky Sports] is a tad injury prone, having spent much of his first 18 months at the Emirates Stadium on the missing list due to fitness issues.
And Merson believes that in January, the Gunners’ boss absolutely needs to sign a covering option in the event that he gets injured again.
He told Sky Sports: “I personally think they need another holding midfield player. I think Thomas Partey’s been absolutely outstanding this season. If he got injured, I think that’d be a big worry for them.”
With Gabriel Jesus out until March, Arsenal do need to box smart here.
There’s already a debate over whether Eddie Nketiah can successfully replace Jesus, despite scoring a brilliant third goal against the Hammers last night.
But if Partey were to get injured too, that leaves Arteta with Mohamed Elneny or Albert Sambi Lokonga as a replacement.
Neither option is a great one and, as mentioned, Partey hasn’t got a blemish-free injury record.
Merson’s comments are definitely something for Arteta to consider.
