Arsenal 'identify ideal long-term partner' for Thomas Partey

The Gunners have reportedly expressed an interest in a player they believe can become a partner for Partey in midfield.

Arsenal have shortlisted Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma as a potential summer transfer target and long-term midfield partner for Thomas Partey, as per reports from England.

Bissouma has impressed in the Brighton midfield this season, starting in all but one of the club’s 17 Premier League games so far. Even Real Madrid and Liverpool have reportedly expressed an interest.

According to Football London, however, Bissouma is happy in the Premier League. He would favor Arsenal over any other English side, though. The Malian is also good friends with his former Lille teammates Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel.

Arsenal, meanwhile, need central midfield reinforcements. A creative player is a top priority in January, meaning any move for Bissouma will have to wait until the summer. They’ve also just taken out a £120m loan amid their financial struggles.

Arsenal are interested in the possibility of signing Yves Bissouma [Football London] pic.twitter.com/L7HZRqdpl5

— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) January 12, 2021

But as Dani Ceballos will return to Real Madrid once his loan deal ends, along with Granit Xhaka and Joe Willock’s uncertain futures, the Gunners are interested in Bissouma. His agent, Michael N’Cho, has allegedly been contacted.

Despite the 24-year-old’s disciplinary record, having collected five yellow cards already, Mikel Arteta feels he could be a potential long-term partner for Partey.