Arsenal have spent £131m in the summer transfer window so far.
That is the most across the Premier League, but of course, that’s on five new players with technical director Edu completing deals for Nuno Tavares (£8m), Albert Sambi Lokonga (£15m), Ben White (£50m), Martin Odegaard (£34m) and Aaron Ramsdale (£24m).
Of the quintet, one could argue that only Odegaard and White are seen as members of Mikel Arteta’s core group of Arsenal undroppables that he will rely upon as the season progresses.
However, some Gunners supporters are of the opinion that a new name can be added to the list following Sunday’s 2-0 loss against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
With Thomas Partey out injured, a spot alongside Granit Xhaka in central midfield emerged ahead of the Premier League opener against Brentford.
Instead of choosing the safe option in Mohamed Elneny, or springing a surprise by naming Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the engine room, Arteta opted to hand Lokonga a debut and kept faith in the 21-year-old for the visit of the Blues.
And despite losing against Chelsea, the former Anderlecht player was one of very few, if any, positives from an Arsenal perspective and there are suggestions that he will turn out to be the club’s best signing this summer.
Now, Partey is expected to resume full training before the end of the month which means he should be available for the Norwich City game at the Emirates after the international break.
But will an expected immediate recall come at the expense of Lokonga or Xhaka?
Well, judging by the response from some Arsenal fans on Reddit in regards to the former’s pass for Kieran Tierney, it’s safe to say the popular opinion is that Lokonga should be one of the first names on Arteta’s teamsheet.
AnotherReignCheck said: “I’m very impressed with this guy so far. A little light on the ball but I remember him going shoulder to shoulder with Lukaku and after losing (shock) brought him down for his yellow, to stop the dangerous attack.
“Best signing we made this window and our strongest midfield without a doubt is Sambi – Partey.”
afcturn said: “Sambi/Partey pivot needed.”
Srf400103 said: “Sambi and Partey playing together would be amazing.”
cwillard260 said: “Absolutely no reason to play Xhaka if Sambi can do these sorts of things. He plays with more pace and intensity than Xhaka does, he can cover ground while Xhaka can’t, and he can actually dribble unlike Xhaka.”
wengerball_said: “Sambi will be starter in all PL games this season, partnered by Partey or Granit.”
Mikey_Hashtags said: “Hopefully by the Burnley game it’s just Partey/Sambi for the rest of the season.”