Arsenal's decision to consider the signings of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo was in part due to frustration with Thomas Partey's form towards the end of last season. With eight games remaining in a very promising season, the Gunners slipped to a convincing advantage over Manchester City.
Partey was a mainstay in Arsenal's midfield, providing the platform on which his impressive form was built, and he appears to have overcome the fitness issues that plagued his first two seasons at the club.
However, the warning signs were there during the international break in March, when he missed the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola, accompanied by members of Arsenal's medical team. Upon his return, Partey struggled to repeat his early season form and was largely responsible for West Ham's costly draw and heavy defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
Partey then lost his regular place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI by signing Jorginho in January and ended the season as a makeshift right-back.
According to The Times, Arsenal are frustrated by Partey's loss of form and he could now be sacked if the Gunners score their top two goals in midfield.
His current contract has two years left to run and has attracted the attention of several clubs in Italy.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are close to finalizing a deal for Rice, with West Ham ready to reluctantly accept a £100m bid for their captain. However, Caicedo's move is likely to prove more complicated with Chelsea and Manchester United interested in the Brighton international.
Arsenal failed to sign the Ecuador international in January despite Caicedo's very open transfer request.
However, Brighton is likely to sell one of the standout stars from Roberto De Zerbi's rising side after also allowing Alexi McAllister to join Liverpool earlier this month. Lately, Arsenal is now considering another option to sign Kai Havertz from their London rivals (Chelsea).
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