Arsenal Are Considering 31-Year-Old As Thomas Partey’s Replacement: Should The Gunners Opt For His Experience? | OneFootball

Arsenal are at a key stage in their summer planning, with important decisions still to be made before the start of next season. Mikel Arteta does not want to be rushed, and the club seem willing to wait for the right moment to act in the market.

While the fans are pressing for quick answers, the coaching staff are keeping calm. They know that some moves will be tricky, especially with players who have been mainstays in the set-up.

One of the names generating the most uncertainty around the club is that of Thomas Partey, whose future is not guaranteed. His possible departure has forced the club to evaluate possible replacements with some urgency and care.

Arsenal Are Considering 31-Year-Old As Thomas Partey’s Replacement

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are considering Christian Norgaard as a potential replacement for Partey. The Brentford captain has caught the eye of the Gunners due to his solid Premier League experience.

Although he does not possess the same technical profile as the Ghanaian, his consistent performances and knowledge of English football make him a reasonable option. Meanwhile, the board are also considering younger alternatives such as Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi. However, Arteta seems to value having a figure with immediate experience, especially in an area as critical as defensive midfield.

Opinion:

A move for Norgaard would make some sense, considering the need for reliability. The Dane is not a spectacular player, but he delivers. He is versatile, has leadership and tactical discipline, three aspects that Arteta usually demands from his midfielders.

But there is also an obvious risk: is he someone who simply delivers enough? Bouaddi, at 18, represents another route: developing talent, higher ceiling, but greater uncertainty in the short term. If the aim is to compete directly for the Premier League, relying on someone like Norgaard may be conservative. He will not disappoint, but neither will he make a difference in the way a higher profile would.

The 31-year-old could take over Partey’s role without being out of place, although he would not match his physical impact and accuracy in distribution. And while he is a safe option, perhaps too safe, Arsenal are in danger of settling.

The project has grown, and with it should also grow aspirations in the market. In that context, the choice between experience and potential is not an easy one. But if the club wants to close the gap with the giants, looking upwards and not to the side would be the most coherent thing to do.