Arsenal fans say £23m Premier League midfielder would be ideal Thomas Partey replacement

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Arsenal are likely to be busy in the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their ranks and replace players who leave.

Arsenal could well look at bringing in new midfielders, given Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both out of contract at the end of the season.

During January, it was reported that Arsenal had agreed a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

However, the race doesn’t seem to be over yet, with the likes of Real Madrid also said to be keen on Zubimendi.

Now, a number of Arsenal fans have identified another player they feel would be a good fit for the Gunners, specifically as a Partey replacement.

Arsenal fans want Carlos Baleba as Thomas Partey replacement

The player in question is Carlos Baleba, who has been in good form for Brighton & Hove Albion since joining from Lille for around £23million in 2023.

Arsenal fans liked what they saw from the 21-year-old in the Seagulls’ 3-0 Premier League win over Chelsea on Friday night.

One fan wrote on X: “I speak for all Arsenal fans when I say Carlos Baleba is the perfect long term replacement for Thomas Partey.”

Another replied to the above message: “Man I’ve been thinking this exact same thing since watching Baleba in the last few games.

“Lots of people don’t appreciate what Partey brings to our midfield and I think the only player who actually has that kind of mineral is Baleba!”

The calls to sign Baleba kept coming, with one fan saying: “This Baleba guy is so good I pray we sign him as partey replacement.”

Another tagged Arsenal’s X account as he wrote: “Carlos Baleba has to replace Partey in the summer.”

And another fan wrote: “I’m so serious. Partey and Jorginho are leaving. Zubi and Baleba to take their places.”

How much Carlos Baleba could cost Arsenal

As things stand, there are no transfer reports doing the rounds with a valuation for Baleba.

Transfermarkt’s valuation of the Cameroon international currently stands at €35million (£30million), but the likelihood is he’d cost significantly more.

The last 21-year-old midfielder Brighton sold to a Premier League rival was Moises Caicedo, who joined Chelsea for a reported £115million fee in 2023.

Baleba’s contract also runs until the summer of 2028, with Brighton holding a year’s option, meaning the Seagulls’ hand would be strong in negotiations.