Arsenal: Lucas Torreira, Thomas Partey answer is both

Arsenal’s abundant links with Thomas Partey have seen Lucas Torreira’s future put into question. However, the answer to either-or is both.

Arsenal are attempting to build ahead of the Mikel Arteta project. The Spaniard arrived midway through the season, showed signs of early progression, but has not yet had a transfer window to retool his squad. Sadly, when he does get a transfer, which will presumably arrive after the resumption of the season, it will be a heavily subdued one.

Nevertheless, as the club looks to provide him with greater talent the man that most want is Atletico Madrid midfield, Thomas Partey. He is the man to solidify the Gunners’ currently fragile spine.

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Ongoing rumours have linked Partey with a move to north London. Corriere dello Sport via  TalkSPORT claims that a £43.5 million offer is on the table. Consequently, given that the club’s finances are stretched, to say the least, murmurs that Lucas Torreira may head out the door in order to recoup funds are growing progressively louder. However, while there is logic behind a Torreira sale, if possible, Arsenal would be better-served keeping Torreira alongside Partey.

Torreira has been a bit hot and cold since arriving at the Emirates. The Uruguayan has produced some really impressive performances. He is scrappy, industrious, and a nuisance to play against. Some indicate that he is still in the process of adapting to the ever-physical Premier League and will improve with more game time. The majority of the signs have been positive. For a long time, the team lacked a quality defensive midfielder. Torreira is just that kind of player. He has filled the long-time void to appease most.

When Torreira is partnered alongside Granit Xhaka, Arsenal look at their most secure. The addition of Partey would add an elite element to the midfield, which is required for a sustained top-four challenge, and would most likely see Torreira’s game time cut short. But that does not mean that Torreira no longer has value.

It might be that Arsenal have to sell Torreira to afford Partey, especially in the current climate. But the team should aim to have two quality players in any given position. Whether or not that is possible or not remains to be seen, but Torreira is still only 24 and could easily have great success elsewhere. Surely the club wants to keep valuable players, right?

If Torreira was to leave, alongside the return of Dani Ceballos on loan, it would still leave the team lacking in central midfield. Xhaka is reliable but limited, while Matteo Guendouzi is the only viable depth at the position. That is asking for trouble.

The answer to the Partey or Torreira question, then, is both. Those in charge may not be willing or able to provide the necessary financial remedy, but if Arsenal want to truly build under Arteta, they need Partey and Torreira, not either-or.