Arsenal: 3 things Thomas Partey signing would immediately fix

1. Freedom for teammates

Not every midfielder has a presence. Not every midfielder is going to help out the defense. This is part of the failure of the current midfield set-up. Xhaka has gotten better at defense, but asking him to defend is preventing him from what he does best.

Lucas Torreira defends, but asking him to carry the ball as well is preventing him from doing what he does best.

Matteo Guendouzi is a wildcard who can’t be counted on to defend, yet the responsibility often falls on him to our detriment.

By adding Thomas Partey, each and every member of this midfield (assuming we keep them all and excluding Dani Ceballos who, spoiler, would get better too) is freed up to play their preferred game more. Xhaka won’t have to linger at the back and try to snuff out opposing counters. He can flow freely. Torreira can roam and attack opposing ball carriers. Guendouzi can float around wherever he sees fit.

Everyone gets freed up by adding Thomas Partey to the team. So you’re not just adding one player, you’re simultaneously getting the best out of a lot of other players too.