Before Mikel Arteta and Edu proceed with an overhaul of Arsenal's midfield this summer, they ought to keep next year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament in mind.
The competition is set to take place in the Ivory Coast between January 13th and February 11th 2024, and with Egypt among the nations to have already qualified, the fact they will be considered one of the favourites to lift the trophy there is a very high possibility that they could be involved until the latter stages.
As a result, Mohamed Elneny - assuming he is named in the squad - could be unavailable for the Gunners for up to a month during the second half of next season. And the same may very well apply to Thomas Partey but only on the condition that Ghana also qualify, which they will do as long as they avoid defeat against Central African Republic in September.
