#68 - How Arsenal should replace Thomas Partey
Could a double Dutch solution offer Arsenal depth and flexibility across defence and midfield and free up funds to bolster the attack?
With reports growing stronger that Arsenal are not planning to extend Thomas Partey’s contract, the club may soon find itself at a squad crossroads.
Partey has essentially been replaced by Martin Zubimendi already. Any addition will be to replace Jorginho and his midfield minutes. There’s an opportunity here to reshape and rebalance the squad with versatility and sustainability in mind.
Partey’s departure wouldn’t just leave a hole in midfield; it would force Arsenal to rethink how they cover multiple positions across the pitch and provide an opportunity to not directly replace, but solve other squad issues.
Currently, the Gunners have a thin layer of depth behind key starters – especially at right-back, right centre-back and defensive midfield. Zinchenko is set to leave, Kiwior has been solid but could also go, and the right side of defence lacks cover beyond Saliba, White and Timber.
This is why, in my view, Arsenal should look to bring in two defensive players who can operate across both defence and midfield. That doesn’t mean squad fillers, but multifunctional assets who give Arteta tactical options without bloating the wage bill.
The first target already has admirers inside the club: Jorrel Hato, the 19-year-old Ajax starlet.
A left-footed defender with experience at both left-back and centre-back, Hato ticks several boxes. Signing him would also ease pressure on Gabriel’s role, offer something different at left-back and could subsequently free up opportunities for Myles Lewis-Skelly to play more midfield minutes.
The second signing is where things get particularly interesting.
My pick? Ryan Flamingo.
The 22-year-old Dutchman, who’s been turning heads at PSV, played as both a central defender and holding midfielder for the Netherlands at the U21 Euros this summer – and even has experience at right-back. A left-field name perhaps, but Flamingo is precisely the kind of utility player who can thrive under Arteta’s system. Young, tactically flexible, and reportedly on modest wages, he fits the bill as a smart-value addition who could rotate in multiple positions when injuries or fixture congestion strike.
Flamingo is excellent in possession, making him comfortable on the ball from defence or in midfield. He’s also an excellent carrier, very athletic and strong in the duels. He seems a great fit for Arteta and what this Arsenal squad needs right now.
Alternatively, Arsenal could lean towards a more experienced presence – someone like Cristian Nørgaard of Brentford.
At 31, he’d offer calmness off the bench and leadership in training, something Arsenal would be losing a lot of with Partey and Jorginho leaving. The Danes’ experience in central defence would give Arteta short-term flexibility. A deal for Nørgaard might make more sense if Arsenal want to prioritise funds elsewhere, such as in attack.
If Arsenal were to move on from Partey, Zinchenko and Kiwior in one summer, bringing in two hybrid players like Hato and Flamingo (or Nørgaard) would offer serious tactical flexibility while reducing the overall wage bill. That in turn could allow for more ambitious moves in forward areas, where Arsenal still want to add top-tier quality.
Rodrygo is on the wishlist in attack, and a reshuffling of this ilk could allow Arsenal to have the funds to pay the Brazilian what he desires.
Ultimately, replacing Partey doesn’t have to just be about finding another midfielder – it’s an opportunity to rebalance the squad. With Hato and Flamingo, Arsenal could go double Dutch and double smart, giving the team freshness and a boost in quality, whilst also providing long-term investments on modest wages.
Transfer news latest