Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has questioned Mikel Arteta’s transfer strategy, warning that the club could be making a costly mistake by letting Thomas Partey leave.
Despite an impressive 2023–24 campaign that saw Arsenal finish second in the Premier League, the Gunners have been quiet in the transfer market this summer. While signings of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard are reportedly imminent, several key exits are already confirmed.
Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have left on free transfers, and Raheem Sterling has returned to Chelsea after an unsuccessful loan spell. Now, Thomas Partey appears poised to depart as well, with interest from Barcelona, Juventus, and his former club Atletico Madrid intensifying.
Thomas Partey (photo credit: Getty)
Partey has made 167 appearances for Arsenal since his £45m move from Atletico in 2020, and his departure would leave a gap in midfield. The Ghanaian held talks over a contract extension after arguably his best season at the club, but with no agreement reached and his contract set to expire next week, his exit now seems likely.
Gallas told Genting Casino he believes Partey still has much to offer:
“With what he has offered to the club over the last few years, he can easily stay. And with their depth right now, I think it is best to add, not replace.”
While the arrivals of Zubimendi and Norgaard are expected to cover for the outgoing midfielders, Gallas shifted focus to Arsenal’s long-standing striker issue.
He believes Arsenal have needed a top-tier striker for several seasons and urged the club to “break the bank” for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
“If they want to win the league, they need a striker who knows the Premier League and scores consistently. Right now, that’s Isak. He’s the missing piece.”
Alexander Isak (Photo Credit: Getty)
Isak, who netted over 20 goals last season, has been one of the league’s most consistent forwards, and Gallas believes his arrival could transform Arsenal into genuine title winners in 2025–26.
With Arteta yet to make a marquee summer signing, pressure is mounting to deliver the reinforcements needed to finally take Arsenal over the finish line.
