See I think this is the key point where I disagree with a lot of people on here and probs some people getting sick of me banging on about keeping Partey but the midfield in my eyes has always been the most important area on the pitch.
I spent years watching us deal with utter garbage in midfield like Ramsey leaving gaping holes in the centre of the park and us failing to dominate games because of it. Yeah he’d be great at late runs into the box and people loved him cos he got goals but he’s just one example of the poor midfielders we’ve had since Fabregas.
I love how well our midfield has come together this last 18 months and I’ll be gutted if we rip it apart and start fresh. I’m surprised Mikel is keen for it either, given his understanding of the position from playing there but he obviously has more knowledge and insight than a guy called starboy on a forum. I think the external reasons would be playing a big part in both (Xhaka’s mrs wanting to f off and Partey’s external “affairs” shall we say).
I worry big time about these new players slotting in and adapting quick enough to not only maintain the level but improve it. Keeping Partey balances that out a bit, given Xhaka seems certain to be off.
Yeah mate saw that, I’m not coming at you like that (if it seemed like I was), just explaining why I think it’s really bad to lose both from my perspective.
I would also accept the trade off if we got a big bid for Partey but I’d like it to be something like 75m from a Saudi club to be worth the risk. I get he needs to be replaced soon anyway but his end of season form has really killed people’s views on how crucial he was for us, remember when he got injured end of August? People were losing their shit about what we would do without him
Signing Rice (as much as I’m not his biggest fan) and then any combo (even just 1) of Gundogan, Lavia or Caicedo would be a strong move if we’re keeping Partey and letting Xhaka go. Add Timber to that and I do think it’s a very very good window. It’s just losing the big man in the middle that’d ruin it for me.
Yer I see where youre coming from mate
I dont want him to go, but the £75m bid you mentioned would persuade me so long as we bring in top quality to replace him
Hes an important player for us, has been with us a while so knows the set up, would be silly to rip it all up and go again as I mentioned, unless we absolutely have to.
If Arsenal are going to challenge the team of 115 charges for the title next season, then a good start to the season is a must. Like you said, it would be quite risky replacing both of them with new players, given the time it may take for them to gel.
I’m sure the fee will be alright but we’re losing one of the best midfielders in the league (and probably the CL if he got a shot) easily. Don’t know man.
I wonder if its the allegations playing a big part here in the club being willing to let him go. For most part of last season he was one of the best in his position so from a sporting pov he’s not really slowing down.
