Just in 🚨:Arteta’s ‘discontent’ prompts Arsenal to ‘prepare for a future without’ a former regular, with an Everton player in the pipeline as a potential replacement.

Arsenal is exploring alternatives to address concerns over Thomas Partey’s future, whose contract expires in 18 months, and Amadou Onana from Everton has emerged as a potential target.

Partey, signed from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million, has faced injury challenges during his tenure with the Gunners. Despite being a standout midfielder when at his best, recurring injuries have hindered his consistency in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta, considering Partey’s injury-prone status, sanctioned the high-profile £100 million signing of Declan Rice during the summer.

While the optimal midfield for Arteta likely includes both Partey and Rice, the likelihood of extending Partey’s contract beyond its current expiration in 2024/25 seems uncertain. Arsenal has shown interest in Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, with attempts to secure him during the 2022 summer transfer window falling short. Although January seems an improbable timeframe for Luiz’s acquisition, the Gunners reportedly plan to pursue him in the summer.

Partey’s injury woes, labeled a “source of frustration,” are the primary motivation for Arsenal’s consideration of midfield reinforcements. However, the report suggests that Partey’s return to fitness could diminish the urgency to sign a midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.

Aston Villa’s Luiz, along with his teammate, is highly regarded by Arsenal’s recruitment staff, positioning them as potential replacements. Fulham’s midfielder is also under consideration, although doubts arise due to age misalignment with the club’s recruitment strategy. Everton’s Onana is another prospect, having impressed since joining from Lille last summer, with reports indicating he is currently being courted by multiple clubs, but a January move hinges on his agitation for a transfer.