Neville says Arsenal star now a ‘shadow’ as Keane backs Gunners move for possible replacement

Gary Neville reckons Arsenal star Thomas Partey has been “a shadow of himself” in the Premier League run-in, while Roy Keane labeled a possible replacement a “powerful boy”.

Both pundits were on duty for “biased” Sky Sports on Sunday as Arsenal all but ceded the Premier League title to Manchester City with a 3-0 defeat to Brighton.

And Neville, who joined Keane in criticising Jakub Kiwior for the Seagulls’ opener, also took issue with Partey’s display, insisting the midfielder’s performance levels have dropped significantly in recent weeks.

“He’s been in a shadow of himself in the last few weeks, Partey,” Neville said.

“He has been nowhere near it. A large part of the season, he has been fantastic.

“His form and composure have deserted him at the most vital time.”

Arsenal are on the lookout for midfielder reinforcements this summer, and Moises Caicedo – whom the Gunners failed to steal away from the Amex in January – continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates, and could play alongside Partey, or be his replacement.

Reports claim Brighton want at least £80m for the Ecuador international, but Keane reckons it would be money well spent.

Keane told Sky Sports: “You can see why they’re in for him. He’s a strong, powerful boy. He’s a good age at 21 and he’s obviously adapted to the Premier League very well.

“You need someone to kind of do a sitting job and be defensive-minded so there’s no surprise they’re interested.

“There was obviously talk they were trying to get him in January but I’m sure he’s got plenty of clauses. If Arsenal are keen on him, they’ll have to pay big money for him.

“But he’s certainly a big, strong, powerful boy and in an ideal world at the age he is, he’s a good investment for Arsenal.”

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted after the game that the club will struggle to hold on to their very best players, like Caicedo, and Alexis Mac Allister, who’s heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

“For sure we will lose some players, maybe Caicedo and Mac Allister,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports. “We have to be ready to bring in more good players and for the others; Mitoma, Estupinan, I think for them the best solution is to stay with us.

“I don’t know if they are ready to play in the big teams. You have to arrive ready in the head. We can offer them the possibility to progress and to improve.”

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