Thursday Cannon Fodder: persistence

You have to hand it to Arsenal, they’re nothing if not persistent. The Gunners reportedly inquired, for the 200th time, about a move for Thomas Partey. Atletico Madrid told the club, for the 200th time, to pay his full £45M release clause up front or to sod off.

For some reason, this saga reminds me strongly of the Luis Suarez £40+1M saga. Perhaps because it’s yet another transfer situation where Arsenal are left looking rather silly. Of course, I’ll be the one who looks silly if Partey ends up at Arsenal for less than the release clause, but given Atleti’s resolve, I don’t see that happening.

I think Arsenal’s transfer attention would do better if it were shifted elsewhere. But where? It seems like the choice would be Houssem Aouar, but he’s not really the same player as Partey. Do we think Mikel Arteta is deadset on bringing in a deeper lying ball progressor?

Today’s real question (although feel free to answer the above): assuming Partey doesn’t happen and Arsenal decide to look for non-midfield reinforcements, what position needs the most help and who should they target?