Arsenal can trigger their own transfer clause to solve January Partey and Xhaka dilemma

The Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) starts on the 9th of January 2022. Algeria will be looking to defend their title, but the competition could wreak havoc in the Premier League. Arsenal and Mikel Arteta included.

Arsenal players Thomas Partey (Ghana), Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gaon), and Mohamed Elneny (Egypt) will all be taking part in the competition, leaving in late December to prepare for the competition.

With Sambi Lokonga struggling, Granit Xhaka injured - Arsenal will be left light in midfield options for up to eight Premier League matches. But there could be an option on the wings waiting to be called up.

The Arsenal Way's presenter and writer, Tom Canton (TC) spoke with Football.London’s Arsenal reporter, Kaya Kaynak (KK) on Thursday afternoon’s Pressbox Live to discuss how Miguel Azeez could take the place of AFCON absentees.

Here's a brief look at what was said:

KK: “If the teams get towards the final and Egypt, Ivory Coast, Ghana are amongst the favourites. Gabon is less so. Those three nations are very strong in the African setup.

“There’s a possibility that all three of them will go quite deep into the tournament and Arsenal are going to have to try and come up with solutions for that.

“Arsenal knew this is a thing. They’ve known about it since March. I think it will be interesting to see with Sambi struggling at the minute and Granit Xhaka injured if Arsenal brings in a midfielder. Or if they recall Miguel Azeez from Portsmouth who is hardly playing.

Miguel Azeez in action during his only appearance of the season do far during his loan spell from Arsenal to Portsmouth (Credit: Portsmouth FC) ((Credit: Portsmouth FC))

“Whether Patino might get a chance to play in the senior team. I can’t see that happening myself, but it’s interesting to see if that’s a possibility. AFCON is something that Arsenal are going to have to deal with.

“I don’t think they will lose any players for eight Premier League games. I don’t think they’d allow it. It’s not only Arsenal who would lose those players. It’s worth considering Liverpool, Salah and Mane there two best players will both be going.

“So, plenty of big teams will lose their best players. Chelsea lose Edouard Mendy. This means they will have Kepa in goal. Things like that will be huge for the Premier League title race.

Follow our The Arsenal Way team members Tom , Kaya and Renuka on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.