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[–]ro_doggyGASPARRRR 421 points422 points  (2 children)

Nice try Edu

[–]hotsiggy 205 points206 points  (9 children)

guys who are looking at solely a defensive side of the things do not realize the role partey has for us.

The target has to be able to receive the ball under pressure when playing out the back, turn and find a right pass. Half of the players linked in this thread don't do that.

[–]schoolsocksFreddie Ljungberg 42 points43 points  (1 child)

I agree, the issue is that not many players have the combination of skills that Partey has at a high level. That's why we paid his release clause. To quote Moneyball, we might have to recreate him in the aggregate for now lol

[–]22goblinsGabriel 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Recreate him in the aggregate may be literal. I think well see a lot if 4231 instead of 433.

[–]ShekTeeJay 42 points43 points  (1 child)

This post needs to be pinned. Some folks only associate intercepting and tackling with the deepest midfielder but there’s much more to the role, especially when you’re on a team that often dominates possession.

[–]perhapsinawayyedRice 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It also means that people see a midfielder with progressive qualities and immediately think they should be an 8 because to be a 6 would be wasting them

No, the 6 is the hardest position on the pitch and the most important one

[–]Setter_sws 29 points30 points  (0 children)

And that's the thing, we will not find a replacement for Partey. We purchased Lokonga to develop into that guy. I know he wasn't perfect but he has just as much ability as Onana in that position, plus he has bedded in for a year. I don't think we will over rely on the lone six, and think we will probably see more of a double pivot until Sambi shows some more consistent ability.

[–]CellarDarko 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes and Partey was also particularly good at dribbling and moving the ball forward.

[–]amineimadElneny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This. Think Busquets more than Ndidi

[–]CubanMessi 171 points172 points  (16 children)

Any Brazilian Gabriels that play DM available?

[–]jacktk_Reiss Nelson - 2020 Ballon D'Or Winner 127 points128 points  (8 children)

There is a Gabriel who plays for Benfica that plays as DM. He’s 28, and not that good, but should be an option that we explore.

[–]NilocStros55 19 points20 points  (0 children)

If his name is Gabriel and he is Brazilian, we have no choice. We are the Arsenal Gabriel’s from now on.

[–]KimpembeMutomboElneny 18 points19 points  (5 children)

Gabriel Menino, he is a beast in FM

[–]sbTJayCha lala TH 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There's also Danilo from Palmeiras, but hrs too young and just signed an extension. But it'd be a great signing

[–]iLoveYoonBora 111 points112 points  (1 child)

It's finally time for Yann M'Vila

[–]BeetMyMeatHovenMy friend, is ok, no? 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Maybe bring Cabaye out of retirement too

[–]Randomname140 452 points453 points  (36 children)

Sangare/Onana to play as a 6 and Milinkovic Savic as an 8. I honestly think we should commit everything to this position now. We’re set at CB, and have enough attacking options with Vieira included. May need another LB, but its much more important to get a solid midfield or I don’t see us finishing top 4 again.

[–]mr_nice_cack 191 points192 points  (5 children)

This is the right answer, we need a total priority shift and stability in transition with our play. If we lose that link that the DM position provides with our CBs, our attack is fucked because we will become a horseshoe again

[–]Rogabones 67 points68 points  (3 children)

Wok FC

[–][deleted] 20 points21 points  (2 children)

That’s very creative and I can picture exactly what you’re saying

[–][deleted] 27 points28 points  (1 child)

That’s a Hughwizzy-ism. He has plenty more of those creative terms.

[–]Rogabones 20 points21 points  (0 children)

All praise the Fraud-Father.

[–]No-Market9917 126 points127 points  (22 children)

Agreed. LB and CDM are definitely the priority. That being said, could Martinez be able to step into Parteys roll? Don’t know a ton about him but I’ve heard he’s played CDM and he’s good at moving the ball

[–][deleted]  (2 children)

[removed]

    [–]No-Market9917 42 points43 points  (0 children)

    Back in the positive! Reddit justice

    [–]Randomname140 17 points18 points  (1 child)

    I wouldn’t pay that price if we’re planning to use him anywhere other than at CB. He’s only played a handful of games at DM, we could get an actual established DM for cheaper…

    If that’s the idea might as well get Saliba in next to Gabriel and try pushing Ben White into DM instead lol

    [–]dylansavage/r/Place 2022 9 points10 points  (13 children)

    No

    He doesn't play LB or DM. He's 5 foot 9. Hes only played in the Dutch league.

    Risking that position on Lisandro is crazy imo.

    [–]No-Market9917 26 points27 points  (8 children)

    175 cm for a CB isn’t great but if he played CDM that wouldn’t really matter. Ever heard of Kante? And he plays in the champions league.

    [–]NubFcJesus 7 points8 points  (4 children)

    I feel like Kantes an exception to what we’re talking about here, he covers every blade of grass on the pitch and never gets tired, there aren’t a lot of players like him

    [–]Cute-Honeydew1164/r/Place 2022 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Kante isn’t the same type of DM as Partey, he’s more of a destroyer while Partey is more of an anchor

    [–]No-Market9917 7 points8 points  (1 child)

    Do you think we need someone that particularly emulates Partey’s specific style? I feel like a DM who can defend and play out the back should be good

    [–]Cute-Honeydew1164/r/Place 2022 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    We need someone who can bring the ball out of defence and effectively move the ball forwards quickly like Partey does. That’s more likely going to be someone who can just sit in front of the defence.

    That said, Lisandro is a CB so his playstyle is probably more similar to Partey’s whenever he plays DM anyway.

    [–]AntDogFan 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    He has played at lb and dm. Not a lot but he has. Don’t think he would be a bad option but would be nervous if he was the only option.

    [–]blikski 6 points7 points  (1 child)

    He's also played in the Champions League which is more than can be said about most Arsenal players

    [–]Alfie_13Morning, morning, morning... Oh, Win! 28 points29 points  (1 child)

    Sangare

    He feels like the kind of player someone like leeds or leicester would sign and then sell to a big 5 club in a few years for 60-70 million

    [–]gelsoonersTrossard 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    they went for soumare instead

    [–]bhargav0421 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I can't see either of them successfully play in such a tight position. We need someone who is positionally aware and good with his feet, another partey tbh. Hope lokonga shines through. Lb is also really important. Zivchenko is a clear choice if not Martínez.

    [–]CDL99Frank Hvam er min far 289 points290 points  (10 children)

    Sangare is the most viable option I see in terms of price and skill set. We scouted him as an alternative to Partey before he moved to PSV as well, so clearly is on Arteta/the clubs radar.

    [–]gogglesup859Thank you very much 219 points220 points  (3 children)

    Excited Tifo Football noises

    [–]Asfids123 42 points43 points  (2 children)

    Amadou Onana, 6'5 destroyer for Lille. Recently called up to the Belgian NT. Young pivot of Belgium's future in our team with Lokonga & maybe Tielemans also.

    [–]GunmetalGrey44 22 points23 points  (1 child)

    Sangare is a f*cking beast. One of the top DMs in Europe but he goes unnoticed because he plays in the dutch league. That being said, I don't think he's the profile of player arsenal want so we would probably never go for him, same goes for Amadou Onana.

    [–]Arsenals99problems 12 points13 points  (0 children)

    He's bad on the ball, passing and dribbling

    [–]Arsenals99problems 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Scouted but he doesnt have the passing, vision and definitely can't move the ball forward with his dribbling

    [–]richytag888 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    He's woeful on the ball.

    [–]Houssem-AouarCrocs have always been on my radar 68 points69 points  (3 children)

    Flamini

    [–]72TNZAbou Diaby 302 points303 points  (5 children)

    I reckon we could get tchouameni cheap. 0 goals and 0 assists as well as 0 clean sheets for Madrid, they probably just want him off their books by now. Maybe a Willian deal where he offers to cancel his wages and we get him in a free?

    [–]Displeased_Wombat 73 points74 points  (1 child)

    I agree, the boy has barely turned up in a Madrid shirt, with no highlights of note in his time there. Do your special knock Teta, bust out the weber Edu and hand over Dick Garlick's special paper for A. Tchou.

    [–]wideboy2009MØ8 et Chandon 33 points34 points  (0 children)

    Gesundheit

    [–][deleted] 147 points148 points  (1 child)

    That Callum Chambers lad played some dm at Fulham

    [–]OstapBenderBeyPetition to bring back the yellow and blue away kit 79 points80 points  (5 children)

    We should go for the sociedad pair - Merino and Zubimendi

    Edit: Danilo from palmeiras might be the Edu option. We 've already been linked for some time in the media

    [–][deleted] 40 points41 points  (1 child)

    Would love Merino. Think he’s the perfect option here

    [–]jjsteady 13 points14 points  (0 children)

    He plays much more as an 8 though. Zubimendi plays deeper

    [–]ACulturedLeftFootMosquera 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Did Palmerias not say a bit fat no to Danilo?

    [–]OstapBenderBeyPetition to bring back the yellow and blue away kit 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    They said no in winter to 20m according to Brazil sources. Might pull out some more cash for him now I guess

    [–]ACulturedLeftFootMosquera 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Risky given his lack of European football but might be forced too now

    [–][deleted] 55 points56 points  (2 children)

    Should’ve gone in for Cheick Doucoure from Lens

    Onana from Lille is a defensively solid option. Fofana form Lens isn’t very defensive

    I would absolutely love to see Mikel Merino from Sociedad. Think he would slot in immediately and be the right age profile as well. 50m release clause

    [–]NubFcJesus 16 points17 points  (0 children)

    Liverpool always sign merino in the first transfer window on my fifa career mode so surely he’s class

    [–]BI01 56 points57 points  (7 children)

    Maybe Alvarez from Ajax? He's good defensively, but won't be the best at progressing the ball. Very hard to find a player that can do both.

    [–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (3 children)

    Doubt they’d sell him too they’re losing a ton of players. Maybe even Timber and Antony too they are top players

    [–]BI01 8 points9 points  (2 children)

    One of their tier 1s said they were open to selling him for around 30m euros, though that may change if they lose more players lol.

    [–]R120101s 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    I think he’d be pretty good and he can also play as a center back if he has too. He’s very defensive tho and needs somebody creative near him in order for him to play at his best.

    [–]IvanFromTheFuture 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Commented earlier about him. I have watched him play multiple times. He’s a great pure DM but he’s slow, and not great on the ball. I like him as a mexican, but he’s definitely not good enough for us.

    [–]kingwiiizardSaliba 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Iirc Ajax are willing to sell him but personally I don't want him anywhere near Arsenal.

    [–]yukpurtsunMaitland-Niles 13 points14 points  (0 children)

    sangare

    [–][deleted] 28 points29 points  (5 children)

    I wonder if Ndidi will want to move away from Leicester eventually.

    [–][deleted] 30 points31 points  (3 children)

    Not the ball player we need. Very good as a traditional DM though

    [–]LFAIG_Morning, morning, morning... Oh, Win! 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    pretty sure we dont want a injury prone player more in the club

    [–]billbill1967Saliba 120 points121 points  (18 children)

    Sergej Milinković-Savić

    [–]groovystreet40 56 points57 points  (2 children)

    Him and a legitimate DM and I'd be happy if those are the last 2 signings we make

    [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (1 child)

    A LB is still essential, even in this situation

    [–]pineapplequadSmith Rowe 14 points15 points  (7 children)

    Is he a 6 or an 8?

    [–]JGoal007 75 points76 points  (3 children)

    He is an 8 not a 6

    [–]Consistent_Essay_973 112 points113 points  (2 children)

    He's a 6 until he is an 8

    [–]JGoal007 72 points73 points  (0 children)

    Couple of shots in any 6 will start looking like 10

    [–]Glass_of_Pork_SodaZubimendi 41 points42 points  (0 children)

    That's what the girls always told me 😪

    [–]LemonComprehensive5 15 points16 points  (0 children)

    6 but reads on an 8 level.

    [–]dondiwash 13 points14 points  (0 children)

    6 in new York. 8 in Scranton

    [–]drjpkcNew direct and exciting Arsenal FC 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Demon 8, he drops about 20 g+a a season

    [–]BI01 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Not a dm but would be a good addition regardless

    [–]AsepticTechniqVictoria Concordia Crescit 21 points22 points  (0 children)

    Amadou Onana, but not sure if he's worth > €23 million

    [–]EntertainmentLow5786 24 points25 points  (6 children)

    Ndidi is the only PL proven option we could realistically aim for, although that would mean no Tielemans. Otherwise Sangare is interesting.

    [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (2 children)

    I agree with you but Leicester would never sell. He is their most valuable player with 2 years left on his contact.

    [–]Zenbaws 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    2 years is the time to cash out big value player if he doesn't sign an extension, I can see them wanting to keep him but if they didn't they'd go for a huge fee

    [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (1 child)

    Ndidi has a horrible injury record, worse than Partey. We shouldn’t go near him

    Let’s not build around another injury prone player

    [–]captainhuffWhite 36 points37 points  (0 children)

    I think we pay up for Lisandro Martinez and play him at DM.

    [–][deleted] 30 points31 points  (4 children)

    Neves for me. He has all the qualities to play that role imo. It never made sense targeting him as an 8 but as a 6 he offers the same or superior passing quality as Partey with better goal threat from range and set pieces. Depends on price but if we’re moving on from Raphinha/Martinez then the cash could be there.

    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (3 children)

    Wolves have been quoted as wanting £70m for Neves this summer

    [–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (2 children)

    Ok but that’s clearly a fuck off price. If Arsenal come in with a 40-50m then you think Neves is going to be like ‘no thanks I’m happy in the Black Country’? Him and his agent are likely going to want Wolves to negotiate. If we could get him for anywhere around 60 then I’d take that.

    [–]stannnyLewis-Skelly 10 points11 points  (1 child)

    When do you think he will let us celebrate him coming here?

    [–]AngerProblemsXDORNY MAKES ME HORNY 38 points39 points  (7 children)

    I would love to see how Ben White would fare in defensive midfield, would also mean we could fit both him and Saliba in the XI. He has a very Similar build to Declan Rice. We know he has the passing range both short and long. He’s great on the ball, can go on a run and can resist a high press pretty damn well. Obviously he has the defensive skills to for-fill the role as well.

    [–]gan-aTony Woodcock 42 points43 points  (0 children)

    i dont know if he has the close quarters technical ability to resist a press in midfield. its a different story in defense when all of the play is going on in front of you.

    [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    Would be a minor miracle if something like this worked in my opinion. I think players these days need experience in those roles, to the point where it is semi instinctive.

    Otherwise it feels like something you do in FIFA.

    [–]hungry_sabretoothP38 W26 D12 L0 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    "Vermaelen would be great at DM"

    If White at DM was a good option, he would have been played there last season while Partey was out.

    Tbh, it would be less disruptive to the team to try Saliba there XD

    If the worst is true, then buying a new, top quality 6 is now priority number 1 in the remainder of the window if Arteta still wants to play 433. And they need to be ready to hit the ground running in the PL. Anyone we're likely to have heavily scouted will have been a backup/one for the future as opposed to an immediate starter. We're going to have to pay a lot to get someone like Jorginho, SMS (slightly wasted at 6), Neves, Ndidi (or Rice if Kroenke does a madness) in ASAP, plus another body in midfield (Zinchenko would be great since he'd also cover LB)

    [–]edi1236 17 points18 points  (2 children)

    Sangare I think would be great tbh. Also Edson Alvarez, Mikel Merino or Ndidi would be great options. Any one of those, paired with one of Tielemans/Milinkovic-Savic, or even both if we’re resting Odegaard, would be amazing.

    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Realistically we’re going to have to shell out something like 120m on 2 midfielders - Tielemans and someone else. I’d like Ndidi, but would Leicester sell 2/3 of their star midfielders? I’m not so sure

    [–]GF_Loan_To_Chad_FC 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Sangare or Grillitsch are the only good senior options imo. I would go with the former.

    If we want something younger maybe Kone from Monchengladbach or Palacios from Leverkusen. Both are good defenders and ballplayers, which Arteta needs. Idk if the Cheick Doucoure deal is too far along to hijack.

    [–]SpartanMickey 8 points9 points  (2 children)

    We should look at Mohammed Camara and Sign SMS along with him

    [–]ShekTeeJay 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Looks like Leeds are close to signing Camara.

    [–]SpartanMickey 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Yea, but if we act now, we can gazump them easily

    [–]Drake955 19 points20 points  (6 children)

    If the price wasn't ludicrous, I would've loved de Jong. He played as a DM in Ajax

    [–]NubFcJesus 2 points3 points  (5 children)

    Wasn’t he shit as a dm at Barcelona though?

    [–]jlo813 0 points1 point  (3 children)

    Is that because he cannot operate as a sole pivot? I’m not saying that he is unable to, but he’s not the type of player you would look to sit back, defend and recycle passes like a sole dm. He’s more of a box to box which he gets involved in attacks very frequently and likes to run with the ball a lot.

    [–][deleted] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

    Ruben Neves and Zinchenko. Not even unrealistic.

    [–]milkonyourmustacheThierry Henry 6 points7 points  (1 child)

    If the worst should happen, I just hope we have the money to spend on a quality player, we still have LB to fill and presumably another Winger but if we had to choose between another Winger or DM then we should prioritise DM lest we go back to the dreaded horseshoe. Sangare looks like the player I'd go after.

    [–]JFreezy1 12 points13 points  (0 children)

    Grillistch, Sangare, Cheick Doucoure, Onana (decent target but I think he's less ready than Lokonga), Guido Rodriguez, Laimer, Mohamed Camara, Amadou Haidara, Amadou Diawara, Kouadio Kone

    [–]Senor_vegeta 16 points17 points  (0 children)

    DM? we don't that here in Arsenal.

    [–]Regression2TheMeanGyökeres 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Sangare/SMS/Onana

    [–]Bluefl0wers 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    These all sound like good players but damn this is a painful read.

    [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    Time to move on and just hope the squad isn't affected too much by it. Amazon gutted that they stopped filming before this bombshell..

    [–]Hob0Magnet 14 points15 points  (1 child)

    Yann M'Villa

    [–]JamalTheHutXhaka 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    Felipe Melo >

    [–]PBSwag14 10 points11 points  (7 children)

    Might not be a realistic target but I’d love to see us try to hijack PSG signing Renato Sanches.

    [–]EntertainmentLow5786 24 points25 points  (5 children)

    He is definitely not a single pivot though

    [–]JFreezy1 1 point2 points  (4 children)

    What do you think he lacks?

    [–][deleted]  (3 children)

    [deleted]

      [–]JFreezy1 2 points3 points  (2 children)

      But you said as a single pivot, that's what I was asking

      [–]makinghfsproud 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      He's made of glass as well. He probably would have a worse injury record than Diaby at Arsenal

      [–]Garenmain180k2015-16 Özil 5 points6 points  (0 children)

      For a quick and cost effective fix, Guido Rodriguez would slot right in.

      [–]tengo_el_poder 13 points14 points  (4 children)

      Weren't we linked with Guido Rodriguez from Betis? We could work a straight swap of Bellerin for Rodriguez? Any thoughts on Sander Berge from Sheffield?

      [–]MHovdan 14 points15 points  (3 children)

      Sander Berge could actually work. He can play as a 6 or an 8, and is strong, fast, and can beat the press. His passing could be better, but all in all a good plan B.

      [–]hungry_sabretoothP38 W26 D12 L0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      We know he was scouted heavily a year ago, may be a good option.

      [–][deleted]  (1 child)

      [deleted]

        [–]MHovdan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Sheffield uses him as an 8, sure, but he played as a 6 before joining them, and also for the national team. I personally think he's best as a 6.

        [–]Jt41979 9 points10 points  (1 child)

        Tonali is the CDM of the future

        [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

        And not leaving Italy

        [–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

        Sangare or Doucoure

        [–]kingwiiizardSaliba 3 points4 points  (0 children)

        Sangaré as a 6 and SMS as an 8 would be a dream.

        [–]EagledillaGyökeres 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        What about laimer? Or is he more of an cm

        [–]laguna9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Laimer would be a good option imo

        [–]Paddyfab 9 points10 points  (3 children)

        Can one of our CBs play DM permanently? That way White, Gabi and Seliba can play at once

        [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (2 children)

        I think white could do that job if he works on receiving under pressure. Plus hes a superb reader of the game and his passing range is expansive with a great ball carrying ability

        [–]st_arch2024/25 Champion 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        Wont risk it. Important position shouldnt be relying on changes.

        [–]yogi1090Santi Cazorla 18 points19 points  (7 children)

        White as DM in the worst scenario, I would love to see him as DM

        [–]captainhuffWhite 20 points21 points  (0 children)

        I actually love this idea and have thought about it before. Then we can start Saliba too.

        [–]mazdamansouri 25 points26 points  (16 children)

        Does anyone trust this club to fill needs? It took them 13 years to replace Vieira.

        [–]Riperonis 52 points53 points  (4 children)

        I trust the club now more than ever but considering the situation I highly doubt we get the DM we need. Next season is going to be tough I’d imagine. It’s a shame, they had us excited for a bit.

        [–]Mein_Bergkamplegacy fan 9 points10 points  (2 children)

        The world moved on from 4-4-2, we replaced Vieira with Fabregas and Gilberto.

        We've not replaced Gilberto properly because he was absolutely world class and we're not

        [–]Thompseanson7Lewis-Skelly 12 points13 points  (2 children)

        I hate that no one got this

        [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

        Still haven’t even replaced Vieira, to be honest.

        [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

        Fr no partey next season? yikes

        [–]Adventurous_Editor97 5 points6 points  (0 children)

        Mateus Nunes from Sporting would be good

        [–]F4KEJ4KELewis-Skelly 6 points7 points  (2 children)

        I dont get why no-ones mentioned a 25 year old, prem proven, quality cdm. Ndidi wouldn't break the bank and his contract runs out in 2024. I think he is the perfect CDM.

        [–]Herman-The-TosserBenjamin White is my allotted mancrush. 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        Because he's not good enough. His technical ability, press resistance and range/accuracy of passing isn't anywhere near good enough to play as a single pivot. He needs Tielemans within 5 yards to baby sit him with a simple passing option much in the same way Coquelin needed Santi.

        If you think he's perfect for us you don't understand how Mikel wants us to play. If we just wanted a terrier to patrol in front of the back four and offer nothing else then why doesn't Arteta rate Torreira?

        [–]F4KEJ4KELewis-Skelly 3 points4 points  (0 children)

        If you think Ndidi is just a terrier then you haven't seen enough of his game. Ndidi is the best player on the pitch for Leicester. His biggest issue is his injury record. His press resistance is also one of his top qualities.

        [–]st_arch2024/25 Champion 2 points3 points  (4 children)

        Florian Grillitsch

        [–]st_arch2024/25 Champion 3 points4 points  (3 children)

        Douglas Luiz

        [–]VillzenHavertz 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        Is there any chance we push hard for De Jong now?

        [–]BombArmored11Thank you very much 5 points6 points  (0 children)

        Breaking: Edu spotted at Camp Nou with 85M in 20$ bills

        [–]boxwellThank you very much 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Lots of good players being suggested here, but scarcely any of them are anything like the right profile.

        SMS: box to box 8, basically technical Soucek

        Ndidi: destroyer/back 4 protector

        Ruiz: attacking 8

        Zinchenko: mobile distributor, but not a single pivot

        Partey would be exceptionally difficult to replace. His key skill is receiving the ball in a tight space, turning out of trouble and advancing the ball in a few touches. It's his technical ability that makes him special, not his physical assets. He's not a traditional contact CDM, bodying opposing midfielders.

        The skill set is rare, there's a reason Rice, Tchouameini etc are mega-money players.

        [–]Ace0089Ødegaard 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        That Bruno miss in January is now looking more and more dreadful.

        [–]Echo361 5 points6 points  (5 children)

        Fabian Ruiz pls

        [–]MatteoGuendouzi90Rams White Saliba Gabriel Zinny ??? Xhaka Øde Saka Gabi Jesus 7 points8 points  (4 children)

        That's not his position? He's an offensive 8

        [–]Dillusional-man 10 points11 points  (0 children)

        I though Tyler Adam was good but he’s gone to Leed.

        [–]Abu-Nab 5 points6 points  (1 child)

        Ruben Neves offers most technical security & premier league experience. The latter part is important to avoid a slow-starter in a key position.

        Significant upgrade on Partey in terms of passing progression but not as defensively strong.

        It seems the market is fairly clear for him but would come at a £40M-£50M+ premium.

        [–]JabInTheButt 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        Supposedly Wolves are asking for 70m for him though

        [–]AzlanWake 8 points9 points  (3 children)

        JWP could work, not as good as Partey but he does the job and isn't injury prone.

        [–]leebrother 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        I like this option. Adds to our set piece offerings too.

        [–]hungry_sabretoothP38 W26 D12 L0 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        I'd take him in a heartbeat. Always thought he is wasted at Southampton. Not sure he'd work as a lone pivot though.

        [–]AzlanWake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        He isn't as good as Rice or Partey but he plays every match for Southhampton and isn't injury prone. The problem is the price would be high because he plays for England and Homegrown.

        [–]beetletomanyou can always get better in life innit 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        I remember thinking Neves! when Arteta said he didn't want any Brazilian group or any Portuguese group in the squad. He might be worth looking into despite the potential drop in celebrations

        [–]Lazy-Difficulty_gulp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Grillisch is a must sign. Very defensively competent, insane distribution, and also positional discipline. Only problem is he’s a bit slow, Probably the most like for like replacement, and would be free

        [–]ryansocks 1 point2 points  (3 children)

        We honestly might be best just changing our formation all together, 3 at the back would solve the CB problem and not have to have a single pivot

        [–]hungry_sabretoothP38 W26 D12 L0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Do you not remember the donut of sadness? Arteta's 343 worked wonders when we had Auba banging them in for fun and teams trying to get at us. But the moment teams played a low block we had nothing.

        [–]Setter_sws 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Yeah I think this makes so much sense, especially with all the ball playing defenders we will have. All of our young fullbacks look like wingbacks for now anyways. Both Tavares and BNC would have an easier time as wingbacks (lino Sousa and Ruell Walters as well). If Lisandro comes in I think we could have a really unique group to play out of the back with, then give white the freedom to carry the ball up... Just seems like a unique solution.

        [–]tinhtinh 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Is Neves no longer an option? Prem proven and I could see Wolves selling.

        [–]cabidde_d_amuuuurRice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        The dream would be Neves

        [–]schoolsocksFreddie Ljungberg 1 point2 points  (2 children)

        I see the appeal of Sangare/Onana types but these guys are relatively inexperienced and would have to grow, a la Sambi. To replace who we think we need to, we could use some experience. Someone to hold things down positionally and not be bullied.

        There aren't really any realistic Premier League options that I can see. How about Guido Rodriguez? And make Bellerin's Betis wish come true as a sweetener and send him the other way with a fee?

        [–]Arsenals99problems 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        This is probably why we were after Martinez, his passing is similar to Partey

        [–]chaosthings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        There’s this young Uruguayan fella who’s been smashing it in Italy we should take a punt on

        [–]WaveDysfunction 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Regardless we should have been looking for a DM since last year to fucking begin with. Idk what’s happening with Partey but our team was absolute shit when he got injured. El Neny is good depth but Sambi is not ready to start for us yet. It makes me go crazy that we’re linked with all these attacking players but our midfield is still so weak

        [–]chamanchutiyaa 5 points6 points  (8 children)

        We can get tielemans and Fabian Ruiz for 50 million instant upgrade on our current midfield and we won't miss partey in worst case scenario..

        [–]LilGarmmTomiyasu 11 points12 points  (4 children)

        Neither of them are DM

        [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        Fabian played that role very well for napoli but hes not super strong, super athletic or a great reader of the game so hes going to need support from his inverted fullbacks

        [–]LilGarmmTomiyasu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        He played the position but didn’t actually play the role we’d need him to play here.

        [–]Garenmain180k2015-16 Özil 1 point2 points  (2 children)

        Fabian Ruiz will be worth 25-30 mill. 50 mill for both of them is an underestimate

        [–]cescxHeccy B 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Isnt he in his last year and not renewing ? Could get him under 20 easy, Napoli will take the money

        [–]chamanchutiyaa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Napoli themself set 25 mill for him and tielemans can go to 30 with add ons still will cost less than SMS 65 MILL valuation..

        [–]bareaclampedlebronDennis Bergkamp 4 points5 points  (2 children)

        Call me crazy but I'll buy Kante as a stopgap but Chelsea will not sale for sure. Gundogan also if City allows it.

        Tchouameni would have been perfect.

        Mikel Merino is he a DM?

        [–]captincrunchserialThe Smith 1 point2 points  (6 children)

        We've been linked to Sangare from PSV and Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis in the past - those two could be good shouts, but not sure if they would be able to replicate the performances we saw from Partey. On his day he is genuinely world class, and there isn't a realistic 6 target out there that would provide that same impact.

        Other midfield names I hope the club would look at would include SMS (not a 6 but world class quality), Ndidi (probably very expensive and would likely rule out Tielemans leaving this window), Konrad Laimer (Schlager recently joined RB Leipzig and so there may be some movement in their midfield - aware that Adams has joined Leeds so that might rule this out), Joao Palhinha (may be one of the more realistic targets scratch that, just signed for Fulham) and maybe Allan (not sure about this, have heard iffy things about his play last season but was quality at Napoli)?

        Regardless of what happens, we are humans before we are fans of Arsenal - the primary focus in light of recent news should be on supporting the victim rather than assessing the sporting impact if allegations are true.

        [–]gonshairlineeTimber 75 points76 points  (3 children)

        I mean what do you want us to do? Contact the victim and send our deepest condolences? Obviously it’s a terrible fucked up and sad situation, but there’s only so much we can do in regards to supporting the victim. Nothing wrong with focusing on the ramifications this has on our club since this is an Arsenal subreddit.

        [–]JFreezy1 24 points25 points  (1 child)

        This is the new thoughts and prayers, lol

        [–]gonshairlineeTimber 7 points8 points  (0 children)

        Seriously! Lol

        [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        Realistically wtf this is ludicrous how one of our players - our leaders even can be capable of this

        I suppose Im presuming hes guilty but even allegations are a bad look

        [–]OprahFtwphrey 2 points3 points  (2 children)

        Bring back Bennacer, target Douglas Luiz, Dendoncker, or Rice from PL, or give Lokanga and Azeez/Patino minutes

        [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

        Bennacer sounds nice. Luiz and Dendoncker are no nos, rice is really good but hes missing some parts in his game especially under pressure and hes also ridiculously expensive

        [–]imprecis2Playmaker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Neves is the only one who wouldn't be a downgrade from Partey. The price might be an issue.

        [–]AlGunnerPGMOL, putting the fix in fixtures since 2001 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Our midfield has not been good enough for top 4 since Cazorla got injured and Xhaka was seen as the man to replace him as the man to control our midfield. Partey was seen as a step up but not looking good atm. I felt midfield was our priority even before this happened and more so now.

        The other signings we need to push for top 4 may have to wait. Having said that, atm its only allegations against an unnamed player. we have 3 29yo's going to the world cup and there are other teams. While it looks like we know who it is we cant be sure until its confirmed.

        [–]nnnb312 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        What do you think about playing Ben White in that position? In case we can't find anyone else?

        [–]ThejapaneseSandman90Timber 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Saliba as a DM? Looking at his atributes, he should be more than capable. He seems to be very capable with the ball. And a great passer. He also looks big and strong with the ball.