Arsenal: Kalvin Phillips the perfect Thomas Partey partner in 4-2-3-1

Arsenal are closing in on their first signings of the transfer window and the excitement levels are rising. Three weeks in to a 12 week ordeal, some deals are finally getting over the line. The dream additions, however, are yet to come.

Even if those making their ways through the door are only backup additions, it’s still, generally, fun to see a new player don Arsenal red and white.

Albert Sambi Lokonga will arrive as the long-term successor to Thomas Partey, boasting a similar profile and heaps of potential. Meanwhile, Nuno Tavares may follow a similar trend but it will be longer still before he overtakes Kieran Tierney in the pecking order, if he ever will.

Ben White is on course the be the marquee signing of the window so far on a club-record fee for a defender, while the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and James Maddison are being eyed up. The latter three all falling into a specific profile of player: young, with room to develop and, crucially, Premier League experienced.

https://twitter.com/Kalvinphillips/status/1409961039077195779

Kalvin Phillips is the perfect Thomas Partey partner at Arsenal in a 4-2-3-1 system for Mikel Arteta this summer transfer window

While White may only have one year under his belt, his knowledge of the division and the near immediate nature with which he could adapt to his new surroundings enhances his appeal. In positions like centre-back, it’s essential to Mikel Arteta to bring someone in for the now who can anchor his defence.

The same applies in midfield where Lokonga’s arrival will not suffice if Arsenal are to build a squad capable of a top four challenge. Granit Xhaka’s impending departure will leave a huge void in the side, one that can be plugged, but can also expand should his replacement prove a failure.

Initial contact had been made for Ruben Neves to come in be that man, a case that has since gone cold. What can be discerned from that move is, again, knowledge of the Premier League.

Neves would require little to no time to get up to the speed of the division, with any pre-season work used solely to absorb the manager’s ideas. As a profile and to bring in someone who can fulfill many of the job roles left behind Xhaka, the logic behind that proposed transfer is clear.

Whether or not he is the right man to come in and partner Thomas Partey in the 4-2-3-1, however, is up for debate and has already been discussed with some supporters not overawed by the glamour of the signing.

Would the same fans be underwhelmed by Kalvin Phillips? Well, they shouldn’t be, and here is why.

Continued…