Arsenal signing at least one midfielder on top of acquiring Declan Rice from West Ham this summer is now a necessity.
Granit Xhaka's planned exit had already made the need for the Gunners to win the Rice transfer race clear but with it now possible Thomas Partey also departs, another addition in the engine room is a requirement. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, there is a 'concrete chance' that Partey will leave north London before the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
Both Xhaka and Partey leaving would result in Mikel Arteta being extremely low on midfield options but he and Edu may have found the perfect replacement. Southampton's Romeo Lavia was being heavily tipped for a transfer to Chelsea but Arsenal could now swoop in to sign the Belgium international a strong interest from north London and an excellent relationship with his camp.
