Mikel Arteta dream Arsenal £58m La Liga transfer proves he is the perfect Thomas Partey partner

Arsenal’s recent interest in signing Frenkie De Jong ahead of next season is certainly justified. The Dutchman has proven why he would be the perfect midfield signing for the Gunners ahead of next season.

According to the Mirror, Arsenal have joined the race against Manchester United to sign De Jong in the summer transfer. This comes days after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had reported that the Manchester side had initiated contact with Barcelona to sign him.

De Jong would be a dream signing for the Gunners ahead of the next campaign. Last season’s statistics highlight why he would elevate Arsenal’s midfield.

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For the 2021/2022 season, De Jong topped the list for the highest take-on success rate compared to any other player in the top five leagues in Europe with 85%. Thomas Partey falls second on this list with 81%.

The Gunners needs a midfielder alongside Partey who has excellent ball retention and can progress successfully with the ball. Aside from his excellent passing, this is De Jong’s biggest strength which highlights why he would be the perfect signing for Arsenal.

Despite the clear links between Erik ten Hag’s recent Manchester United appointment and the possible chance of a reunion with De Jong after spending time at Ajax together, the midfielder has already given Mikel Arteta a hint on why he could be willing to join the Gunners over the Manchester side.

Speaking to Voetbal International back in 2019, he said: "I actually thought Arsenal was pretty beautiful in the past.

"In my mind, I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, call it the Marc Overmars route. But yes, if you can go