Arsenal are currently deciding whether to hand Thomas Partey a new contract to stay at the Emirates Stadium beyond the summer.
Partey arrived at Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid, one of Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta’s first statement signings working together.
The Ghana international signed a five-year-deal with Arsenal, one that is currently set to expire in a few months time.
Arsenal have done a U-turn on Partey’s future recently and since Andrea Berta’s arrival as the club’s new sporting director, it’s now perceived that the Gunners might offer the midfielder a new deal.
But with Partey turning 32-years-old before his deal expires, Arsenal might have a better alternative.
Adam Wharton is Arsenal’s perfect Thomas Partey replacement
According to the reports, Partey would be willing to negotiate a new contract on ‘improved’ terms, a midfielder who is already among the top earners at the Emirates.
And instead of investing those funds in an aging player, Arsenal could be much better off turning their attention to the future — Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
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At 21-years-old, Wharton might already be worth an extortionate fee this summer, but a move could still be worth every penny for Arsenal.
The midfielder was brilliant for Palace at Wembley on Saturday in their FA Cup semi-final — Wayne Rooney loved Wharton’s performance.
Wharton is a different player to Partey but his intelligence in possession and ability to break the lines with his passing would be extremely welcome in Arteta’s side.
The Englishman will undoubtedly be a star for his country in the near future playing alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, and there’s a reason why Declan Rice called Wharton ‘top level’.
Mikel Arteta needs two midfieders this summer
By all accounts, Arsenal want to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer, and Wharton should be seen as an addition rather than an alternative.
A double-deal would be expensive for Arsenal, Wharton might cost around £70m, but Berta is thought to have a substantial budget to work with this summer.
Some of those funds will be needed to sign a striker, but Arsenal might be able to sign Viktor Gyokeres for a reasonable sum, a cheaper alternative to Alexander Isak at Newcastle United for example.
Of course, there is also the prospect of Real Madrid winning the race for Zubimendi, in which case Arsenal should definitely chase a deal for Wharton.
A superb young talent, but one that Palace definitely won’t sell cheaply.
