Thomas Partey dropped, Eddie Nketiah spot filled – Arsenal line up after £60m double transfer
There are just days remaining in the transfer window, and it’s shaping up to be a busy end for Arsenal.
Aaron Ramsdale is attracting interest from Wolves and Ajax over a potential loan move. The Gunners, however, are insistent on getting a permanent deal over the line for the England international and will be forced to buy an alternative back up if the England stopper does end up leaving. At time of writing the saga therefore remains up in the air.
Two deals that look a bit closer to completion though are the signing of Mikel Merino and the sale of Eddie Nketiah. Merino was left out of Sociedad training on Wednesday as he edges closer to a move reported to valued in the region of the £30million mark.
Arsenal meanwhile are edging closer to the sale of Nketiah to Nottingham Forest. Forest are nearing alignment with an agreement with the 25-year-old over personal terms, while a bid of around £30million is likely to be enough to get him to the City Ground.
Both deals would have a massive impact on Mikel Arteta’s squad selection for Saturday’s match against Aston Villa if they are completed in time. At well over six foot, Merino could be just the kind of figure Arteta looks to bring in against the physicality of the Villa midfield. The Spanish international is also a superb duel winner and could allow Arsenal to exploit Villa’s high line by winning it high up the pitch.
In order to do this Merino would likely be deployed in the left eight role that Declan Rice has filled in recent months. As the club’s record signing and one of their most important players, it’s safe to assume that Rice will be on the teamsheet, and in order to accommodate Merino’s arrival the 25-year-old would likely be dropped deeper into the number six role.
Thomas Partey was selected in that position against Wolves for the opening game of the season. Partey had a mixed afternoon however, and could be relegated to the bench.
That is where Nketiah has spent much of his time at Arsenal recently. The 25-year-old has not started a competitive match for the Gunners in 2024, and would create a space among the subs that needs filling. It’s safe to assume that he would be replaced by a forward player, and with Fabio Vieira set to be back in contention after a hip problem, you would assume it will be him who is back among the subs.
Unfortunately, with both Partey and Jorginho among the replacements, someone would then have to miss out. Based purely on seniority, that feels likely to be Ethan Nwaneri. The 17-year-old is supremely talented, though, and would surely be back in the fold soon enough
Arsenal possible squad after Merino and Nketiah transfers –
Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Substitutes: Ramsdale, Timber, Calafiori, Jorginho, Partey, Vieira, Jesus, Nelson, Trossard.
