Arsenal: 3 reasons Granit Xhaka should be sold

2. A New Midfield Dynamic

Where does the squad go from here? Having centred in on his 4-2-3-1 setup midway through the season, there finally appears to be some semblance of continuity from Arteta. The manager has gone for a variety of tactical approaches and systems – even if he regularly shuns their importance – thus the logical step would be to find a like-for-like replacement in the side.

Well, has he already? Partey’s £45m signing could have been the Xhaka replacement 12 months in advance. He boasts many of the same qualities in terms of defensive discipline and distribution, with the added bonus of greater athleticism, ball carrying ability and speed across the ground.

Therefore, selling Xhaka works in a squad building perspective as it allows Arteta to seek a different profile in central midfield. Ideally, one with some more creative and attacking qualities.

Everyone knew what they were getting with Xhaka, just as they knew what they were being starved of. Him being shifted opens the door for a faster, more dynamic midfield partner with an eye for goal, just as it can also invite an Yves Bissouma to come to north London and open up Partey to play more advanced if desired.

Arteta has always admired 4-3-3 and in every which way, Xhaka can’t fit into that system. He isn’t mobile enough to be a single pivot and you’d rather have a one-legged Dani Ceballos playing the left sided No. 8 role. That now can be worked towards.

Partey can offer what Xhaka has and whoever comes in can provide the more adventurous touches. Equally, the Swiss can be upgraded with a double pivot of physically imposing destroyers who can cover ground quickly. A new dynamic awaits.