Arsenal make World Cup finalist their top target as Thomas Partey injury concerns continue

Arsenal’s recruitment team have identified their number one transfer target for the January window, according to reports. Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen on strengthening his side’s midfield options and is hopeful of signing a long-term pivot who can partner club-record signing Declan Rice.

Last season’s regular starter Thomas Partey has struggled with injuries this term and has been limited to just four Premier League appearances so far. The Ghanaian international faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a muscle injury and Arteta explains he is “unable to give a timeframe” on his return.

Partey’s contract at Arsenal runs until the summer of 2025 and it is unlikely that he will sign a new deal with the club, according to Arsenal insider. Reports from The Sun explain that Arteta has set his sights on a blockbuster move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

The French international made a name for himself in France with both Bordeaux and AS Monaco and was twice named in the division’s Team of the Year due to his excellent performances in Ligue 1.

This prompted attention from Real Madrid, who signed him on a six-year contract in the summer of 2022 for a huge fee of £80m,. Liverpool had also expressed a strong interest ahead of his move to Spain. The young star has already tasted success in the Spanish capital and lifted the Copa Del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in his first season.

Tchouameni was also a member of the France team which finished runners-up in last year’s World Cup and he scored a crucial goal to eliminate England in the quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old is highly rated at Real Madrid by manager Carlo Ancelotti and has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, despite the competition of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.