Adrian Clarke has now stated that Mikel Arteta should consider replacing Thomas Partey at Arsenal with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
Clarke spoke on talkSPORT this morning about how annoying Partey’s injuries had become.
While he understood Partey’s importance to Arsenal, he did not believe he could be relied on.
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Clarke was discussing the situation with Gabby Agbonlahor, and his offer to sign Aston Villa midfielder Luiz irritated the former Aston Villa star.
“Oh yeah, I think they miss him right now,” he added (9/11, 6:39am). I believe Arsenal’s win record improves dramatically when he plays.
“He brings that power to the midfield, but Gabby [Agbonlahor] is right, he gets injured a lot; at Atletico, I don’t think he missed a game.”
“So it’s extremely frustrating.” I believe he’s not too youthful anymore, maybe 30.
“If that is the case that he needs replacing, I don’t want to get on Gabby’s nerves too much, but Douglas Luiz is a player that they’ve been linked with, somebody like that, a high-calibre player would have to come in.”
“How dare you!” exclaimed Agbonlahor.
Clarke believes Luiz would be an ideal Partey replacement at Arsenal.
While some fans believe Partey is still of higher quality than Luiz, many will agree with Clarke that the latter’s availability is more crucial for Arsenal.
Jorginho and Declan Rice have been hugely beneficial, but Partey’s injuries have been quite problematic for Arsenal over the years.
On his day, he was a truly world-class midfielder, but those days are becoming far fewer as a result of his absences.
Clarke’s notion isn’t novel; Arsenal has frequently been connected with £50 million Luiz, and perhaps some at the club see the Brazilian as a suitable alternative for Partey.
Jorginho performed admirably against Sevilla last night, but the Spaniards were not the most difficult opponents.
Given his lack of physicality, several fans question the Italian’s ability to maintain his levels throughout the season.
Rio Ferdinand, on the other hand, did not appear to share those fears, and was extremely impressed with the 31-year-old at points Friday night.
Arteta and Arsenal had a successful evening, and they will now try to build on it.
