Arsenal are looking to replace Thomas Partey with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. Since his transfer from Lille to Brighton, the 20-year-old Cameroonian has blossomed, not least in a more energetic midfield with the new Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler. Baleba impressed with his physicality, coupled with good ball recovery and contributions to defense, which allows him to cut away at pieces of play and annoy the hell out of opponents. His adaptability and reading of the game make him an ideal fit for Arsenal, especially given Partey’s injury issues and his uncertain future at the club.
Arsenal could be fighting for Baleba with Liverpool and Tottenham. Liverpool thinks Baleba would add a lot of depth to their midfield and include players like Alexis Mac Allister, whereas Tottenham also needs him and already has enough midfielders. If Arsenal wants Baleba, then he’s a quality ball-winner who can complement Declan Rice, and that gives Arteta exactly what he has been needing for midfield coverageb but Baleba is young, and experience with the Premier League make him a promising long-term investment, considering Arsenal’s aspirations to strengthen their title challenge.
Baleba Arsenal transfer links
Now while increasing attention is being drawn to Carlos Baleba as an alternative for a departing Thomas Partey, considering that the latter’s contract runs out, and Arsenal would consider a more youthful and versatile replacement. Baleba’s defensive qualities and ball life are like Partey but brings youthful exuberance that suits the Arsenal ethos under Arteta. Baleba, however has tested his credentials in a competitive top tier league, albeit in their infancy as seen so far this season, particularly against Brighton, who play a very press-intensive team, and he has disrupted the opposition in breaking up play there, but his energy does stretch high up the pitch.
Another long stretch of seasons through injuries has once more shed light on the urgent need for a solid midfielder who can aid the likes of Declan Rice both in defensive solidity and feed into progression. Baleba’s strength and his pressing make him suitable for duels; he can easily transition from winning duels to attack and would be an ideal midfield mate for Rice.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
