I have zero feelings on this rumor. I am ok with Partey staying because he provides quality depth and keeps us from having to bring in 2 DMs this summer. 100% would make sense from a purely business sense. I am ok with Partey leaving because he has a terrible injury history for us and has a habit of turnovers in bad positions/situations. I also think we change a good bit about our tactics because of his tendency to turn over the ball and that has led to some of our tempo & creativity issues.
TransferMarkt says Fofana is right footed. Watching highlights most of his shots are with his right foot, but he does have a nice left footed cross. I think you’re right about Arteta’s preference, he does favor bigger stronger players, though he was all in on Rodrygo, who is only about an inch taller than Fofana.
Could have swore I saw something that said Fofana is left footed but I could be wrong, or maybe he is very two footed. Here is a Chelsea fan that likes both, depends on price. I'm quite indifferent between Malick Fofana and Jamie Gittens, if they're at the same fee. They're both excellent signings as back-up/competition and lacklustre if the only option.Fofana gives you a much more coordinated player. He's a lot more technical, close control, and he…— Felix (@FelixJohnston_) June 16, 2025
I would love to know who they would target if Partey leaves. Assuming Wharton is not possible. I've heard they want PL experience since Zubi is new to the league.
For several seasons I’ve felt it probably best to pull the plug on TP5. As significantly improved as his contribution was this season, I still feel that way. AS LONG as the club has a succession plan at the ready. ps. I think it’s interesting that your post did not seem to factor in the legal cloud that’s been hanging over his head. Perhaps it’s a little like the situation with MCFC charges… things have dragged on for so long, there’s a sort of collective assumption that nothing’s going to happen?
I wonder if it might be another vet to keep costs down and give them a season to figure out how Zubi adjusts?
My biggest concern with Partey leaving is that it requires us to spend more cash to fill his vacancy. Granted, we should have seen that coming and bought a cheap option to train up 1-2 summers ago.
Luiz is an interesting option I hadn't thought about. His value has cratered. Wonder what they would want for him? You also have a handful of guys that left for that early Saudi wave that now have 1 yr remaining on their deal. Maybe make a run at Ruben Neves or Fabinho?
Seems like he dislikes both equally. As he says he is indifferent, a typical spoiled Chelsea fan who only wants the best.
Gyokeres made Gabriel work. He'd do damage in our set up. A lot of damage. Much better service, much better surrounding players where he'll have more space. ...but so would Sesko. Both one on one with a lot of EPL defenders will do very well.
Regarding TP5, a pundit said something I also saw over time. You know in the first few times he's on the ball if he's going to have a good game or not. I'd like for him to stay one more season to smooth the transition of Zubimendi. After next season, I wouldn't mind seeing MLS in that role. He played midfielder in the youth set up, understands the position. Has the skills.
Schedule is out. First month is kinda brutal. First game away to Man Utd, 3rd game away to Liverpool. I actually think this is good. I'd rather play them away first, early while everyone is healthy. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/teams/arsenal/scores-fixtures/2025-08
Starting with 2 relegation contenders is nice but the next 4 are rough. The finish in May are all very winnable, Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Palace.
And our first Partey replacement link..... a source from Sevilla is claiming that we are "monitoring" 23yo French/Cameroonian DM/CM Lucien Agoume. FBRef numbers are decent, very defense oriented. WhoScored ratings are solid, arguably on par with Partey's. TM says he is worth 8m euro. Little thin but has solid height at 6'2". Edit..... Reading a bit more. Sounds like he may have stunted his development because he was too focused signing for a big club at a young age and got lost in the loan system. Joined Sevilla last summer and started putting things together the final month or so of the season.
Reports out of Germany today that Arsenal reached agreement with Leipzig on Sesko and personal terms were already agreed with the player.
I know a Sevilla midfielder that would cost less. Statistical comparison: https://fbref.com/tiny/nzyTj
Yeah, that's what stood out to me. Those last 4 games in May could be favorable... IFF we've done the requisite work to put ourselves in the mix for the home stretch. How we start the season is a bit of crapshoot I figure. So those 2 early trips to ManUre and Pool in August don't concern me unduly.
Rest easy if you were worried about those Lewis-Skelly to Madrid rumors (I was not). https://bsky.app/profile/charleswatts.bsky.social/post/3lrvfbowmwc2t
Lokanga looks much worse in possession and defensive stats, but Agoume's pass completion stats are... not excellent.
Is Sambi still on the books? Doesn't defend nearly enough to play in an Arteta side, but the passing numbers aren't bad for a backup.