Arsenal already have Thomas Partey replacement that could save Edu millions after player confirmed that he will leave in January
Arsenal could save millions in the January transfer window by recalling Charlie Patino from his loan spell at Swansea City. The Gunners are set to be without Thomas Partey until February 2024 after the 30-year-old underwent a procedure following his ongoing injury issues, football.london understands.
Partey is now set to miss the remainder of 2023 before heading off on international duty for Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Arsenal are also expected to lose Mohamed Elneny with the 31-year-old likely to be selected for Egypt duty in January.
This will leave Mikel Arteta’s options in midfield slightly short with reports claiming the Gunners are plotting to sign another central midfielder when the winter transfer window opens. Arsenal have been tracking Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, football.london understands.
The Spain international was of interest to the Gunners and Barcelona in the summer but he ultimately made the decision to remain at Sociedad. Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz has also emerged as a candidate on Arsenal’s shortlist – as per Fabrizio Romano – but Unai Emery would be reluctant to sell the Brazilian given his importance to the team at Villa Park.
If Arsenal were to sign either Zubimendi or Luiz, it would cost them a significant transfer fee. Following their £200million-plus spending spree in the summer, Arteta will need to sell some players in order to raise funds and abide Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations if he wants to sign a new midfielder in January.
However, the North London outfit already have the perfect replacement for Partey in their ranks. Charlie Patino has been tipped as one of the most exciting and talented youngsters at the Emirates Stadium as he continues to impress on loan with Swansea this season.
Patino has scored one goal and provided four assists in 12 Championship appearances so far this season. The 20-year-old has the ability to play in a more defensive-midfield role or as a box-to-box midfielder with an emphasis on creating chances and supporting the attack.
Whilst he has been playing in more of a No.8 role as opposed to a No.6 at Swansea, that may not be a bad thing given that Declan Rice has the ability to drop into a deeper role. Therefore, if Patino was recalled by Arteta in January, it could see Rice take up a new role in the team to accommodate the 20-year-old.
Patino’s versatility would be a huge asset for Arteta who continues to face injury concerns around the likes of Partey, club captain Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe. The latter is unlikely to return to action until December – with just Fabio Vieira and Kai Havertz able to play in the No.8 role alongside Rice and Co.
Patino is continuing to impress at Swansea however, where he has established himself as one the best midfielders in the Championship. Arsenal may well be tempted to let him continue his development there given the strong start he’s made.
