Arsenal already have plans to live without Thomas Partey in January when the midfielder joins Ghana’s Black Stars for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The delayed Africa continental showpiece is finally set to be staged in Cameroon early next year and will see Ghana pushing to end its long AFCON title drought.
In a 2021/2022 English Premier League season where Thomas Partey has been a key asset for Arsenal, he will be massively missed when he is invited by the Ghana national team for the AFCON.
According to information gathered from London, England, the Gunners have already planned and have an equally good replacement.
It is understood that when youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga was signed from RSC Anderlecht it was part of the plan that he will slot in for Thomas Partey when the midfielder is unavailable during the AFCON.
Although he has not played much this season, he has shown his quality whenever he has been given minutes.
He has the backing of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and will be expected to step up in January to help the team.