Before the summer, we were all looking at a number 8 as a priority signing to play in Xhaka’s position and the player we all agreed on was Youri Tielemans. But that did not happen because Arteta has a lot of trust in Xhaka to play that role. We also have three players at the club that can play the number 8 role in Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira and Sambi Lokonga. In total, we have five players that can play the number 8 role (Odegaard and Xhaka included).

With all those options it makes a lot of sense why Arsenal did not pursue the signing of Tielemans, who has been linked since the opening day of the summer window. This also mean that the priority for the upcoming January window will probably shift from pursuing a number 8 to a perusing a Defensive Midfielder. This is because of Thomas Partey’s fitness record.

Partey is a very important players for us and as seen in the last game against Brentford he brings the best out of everyone and solidify the midfield. His absence has an impact on our performance. Therefore, recruiting a like for like back up will be a very important thing to do.

Elneny and Lokonga are very far from Partey in terms of quality, and they are not like for like in terms of playing style. They can play the role but they do not give us the assured security that Partey offers. Elneny or Lokonga coming in from the bench to see out a game or playing in the Cups and Europe is not the same as when they have to play a huge amount of league games when Partey is out. His injury record suggest we get in someone who is equally as good as him.

If Xhaka continue to play as good as he has been I do not see Arteta signing another number 8 in January when we have the DM problem with Partey’s injury record. Also, an additional number 8 will only limit Smith Rowe and Lokonga’s playing minutes. However, I do see us signing a number 8 in the next summer to improve the squad for that new season.

Arsenal with and without Thomas Partey in the Premier League