Romeo Lavia in, Thomas Partey out — that seems to be what will happen to Arsenal’s midfield by the end of this summer transfer window.
The theory has been that Arteta is keen to revamp his midfield with new blood. Declan Rice has long been identified as a must-have for Arsenal’s engine room next season. In recent days, after it was noted Arsenal had moved on from Moises Caicedo, it is now clear Romeo Lavia could be the other midfielder to join. Lavia is being packaged as Thomas Partey’s replacement, with the Ghanaian tipped to leave.
Considering how influential Partey has been in the midfield on a good day, one may ask: Does the 19-year-old have what it takes to fill in his shoes?
Lavia could shield Arsenal’s back four just as well as Partey. Last season, the Belgian outperformed the Ghanaian in tackles and interceptions, averaging 3.77 per 90 minutes versus Partey’s 3.55.
But there are areas Lavia should work on if he were to replace Partey. One area is ball recovery While Arsenal’s No. 5 recovered the ball 8.15 times per 90 minutes, Southampton’s No. 45 recovered 7.57 times per 90 minutes. Lavia needs to improve his ball recovery. Other things he ought to work on are his confidence and his ability to make progressive passes. The Belgian averaged 4.13 progressive passes per 90 minutes, while Partey averaged more than double that (8.37).
So, the Stats (from FBref) don’t fully back Lavia as a perfect replacement for Partey, but considering the struggles Southampton endured, and he still stood out. He ought to become a better player in an efficient system like Arsenal’s, and considering he is over ten years younger than Partey and is already considered to be a “beast”, he certainly still has lots of scope to become even better.
Daniel O
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No that’s not what is going to happen. Lavia will be gradually introduced, he’ll serve as Partey’s cover until he proves himself impossible to drop
Good player.
It’s left to be seen if Arteta will get him.
I just hope Arteta and edu won’t unearth another Viera from the moon.
Has Arsenal made any bids to Southampton for their Lavia’s player signing this summer? If not, I think us should wait to see if they’ll submit a bid to the Saints to sign the player this summer.
And if they do,and successful to sign him. Us then can start debating or suggesting how Arteta should use him, if sparingly as understudy to Partey if he stays but didn’t go to Saudi Arabia pro League this summer to pasture new. Or regularly used him to play.
I think what is ON now on the net as far Arsenal is concerned in the transfer market this summer. Is that they’ve submitted a bid of £30m to Ajax to sign their defender named Timber in the ongoing summer transfer market sales to sign the defender.
But Bayern Munchen is reported looking to be lurking around the corners to try to hijack the could be possible deal from Arsenal.
But what is wrong with Thomas Tunchel’s Bayern Munchen? Can’t Bayern Munchen go and find it’s own player, and sign him if it wants. Why is Bayern Munchen hiding in the bushes waiting and lurking around to pounce on Arsenal snatching away their hard found kill from them?
Romeo Lavia is definitely in the Partey mold, similar style and movements, just needs to continue to improve, I have no problem with Arsenal snapping him up.
Why a replacement? Why can’t we have two good players in each position?
People talk about Arsenal catching up with Man. City but are so eager in the same breath, to get rid of our good players; players who got us where we are in the first place. Why should Partey go anywhere and ESR be retained?
I am very sorry not him or Declan Rice could replace Partey. Silly to say so and very worrying. Partey is world class and CL ready, i dont get the sale at all.
Arteta is a good coach but his lack of experience made him make a lot of blunders in selecting the squad especially when playing against teams he thought were a walk in the Park like Southampton,Everton,West-Ham and Brighton and Hove Albion.
You cannot underestimate your opponent!