Thomas Partey has been a standout performer for the Gunners this season; he has not only made himself always available but has also delivered quality performances week in and week out. Whether playing as a right back or in the #6 position, the Ghana international has consistently demonstrated exceptional quality.
Although many believe he has done enough to deserve a new deal with Arsenal, as his current contract ends next summer, it remains uncertain whether he will receive that extension. Thomas Partey’s situation is intriguing, and if Arsenal chooses to part ways with him, I’m now convinced the only suitable replacement would be Carlos Baleba.
During Manchester City’s match against Brighton, most Gooners were likely impressed by the Seagulls’ fierce retaliation against our main rivals, but in the midst of it all, Carlos Baleba undoubtedly stole the show.
Baleba’s halftime entry drastically changed the game’s dynamics, quickly overshadowing his absence from the starting lineup. The Brighton midfielder is a player whose reputation for commanding the midfield is well-known. The 20-year-old recently showcased his abilities against Manchester City.
Baleba vs. Man City
▫️95% Pass Accuracy
▫️100% Successful Long Balls
▫️100% Successful Dribbles
▫️1 Key Pass
▫️1 Big Chance Created
▫️5/11 Ground Duels Won
▫️3 Tackles
His ball-carrying abilities are extraordinary. He transformed the game from a one-sided affair into a fierce contest. His performance Saturday evening was the perfect illustration of a game changer. What a player he is, with his fearless drive of the ball up the pitch, his press resistance, and his physical strength.
If you were unsure about him before and watched his performance against City, he is a midfielder worth every top team’s consideration for the 2025 transfer windows.
Indeed, Partey has been one of the standout performers this season. The finest midfielder for Arsenal. However, if he leaves, we will need to find a suitable replacement for his role. Even if he stays, bringing on board someone to learn from him could ultimately serve as a wise decision for how to cope with Partey’s eventual departure.
Baleba ought to be considered the Thomas Partey heir. The Cameroonian is a formidable midfielder; there’s a blend of strength and composure reminiscent of Partey in him.
What do you think?
Peter Rix
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Yes we should go route 1 for Baleba. A very good player and star in the making. Along with Gyokeres Kudus and Diomande. That would have won us the league this year.
Spot on Peter.Baleba, is the most impressive box to box midfielder I have seen in the EPL this season.I highlighted his immense talent last year as an ideal long term replacement for Zhaka but our recruitment team decided on the very able Merino to bring some left footed balance to our central midfield.Baleba is yet another example of the young talent unearthed by what is a remarkably successful recruitment team.
I suspect Partey will leave when his contract expires. At 32 then, the best he’s likely to get is an offer of a year’s extension and he may well want to look for a big, final, pay day elsewhere.
If this youngster is as good as he appears then he is one to consider – although he certainly won’t be cheap. Brighton are “good” sellers on the whole and there are likely to be other clubs interested as well. Also, Arsenal has other priorities for the summer – not least a striker. Whether sufficient resources will be made available then remains to be seen.
Plusieurs club son intéressés par baleba. Et il ne sera pas bon marché. Et arsenal à toujours du mal à acheter les joueurs cher , arsenal aime trop les joueurs peu coûteux et sans talents. Normalement jesus doit être vendu cet hiver il ne sert à rien du tout
Arsenal should extend Partey by a year & promote a home grown player in that role.
Money should be spent on improving attack by
Replacing GJesus with a better striker or goal scoring wide player
A backup for Saka who can also play in another attacking position (Odegard or Martinelli)
One more attacking player
Baseball should replace Jorginho while Partey gets a short term extension to play Jorginho’s present role
First it was Romeo Lavia now it’s Carlos Baleba, these youngsters shines because Brighton has a policy in trusting their kids, the intriguing thing is, they will probably ask £100 mill for his service and someone will happily break the bank and grab him up.
Yup. You put it correctly. And Arteta do not have guts to play youngsters. He has put the club in financial disaster without winning anything.
Lavia was in soton. but true Brighton brings the best of younger untapped talents
Même si la close libératoire de baleba est de 80 millions d’euros arsenal ne va pas l’acheter. Ils sont incapables de faire un vrai investissement pour remporter le titre ils comptent sur la chance.
We have Lewis Skelly already at Arsenal.as Party replacement why should we buy another player?
Because Arteta does not play our academy players. He likes to buy average players on expensive transfer fee then play them.
Remember everybody was screaming to Smith Rowe but Arteta did not play him until all players injured.
I still believe if given a chance we can find at least 1 good/average player from our academy every season
I love this boy . Perfect replacement