Owen Hargreaves has urged Arsenal to sign Crystal Palace’s rising star Adam Wharton as a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey, who looks set to leave the Emirates this summer.
Owen Hargreaves urges Arsenal to sign £70m star to Replace Thomas Partey
Partey, 31, has just over a year left on his contract and has been linked with a return to La Liga, with both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona expressing strong interest.
Despite a solid season under Mikel Arteta, in which he played a key role in Arsenal’s Champions League run, Partey’s future remains uncertain.
Discussions over a new deal are ongoing, but his representatives are reportedly exploring options elsewhere.
With Jorginho also nearing the end of his deal, Arsenal could find themselves needing to rebuild their midfield ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. That’s where Adam Wharton comes in.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Hargreaves couldn’t hide his admiration for the 21-year-old midfielder, who has thrived at Crystal Palace since his move from Blackburn Rovers.
“Someone I really like is Adam Wharton,” Hargreaves said.
“He gets into Arsenal’s team. If Arteta saw him, he’d go, ‘That’s my guy.’ His vision and reading of the game are next-level. He’s two steps ahead.”
Wharton’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. The England international, who earned a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024, is already being tracked by Manchester United and Chelsea. Palace reportedly value him at around £70 million.
Arteta, when asked about Partey’s future, said, “There is progress with all the players. The intention is very clear, but I’ll leave it to Andrea [Berta] and the club to take a step forward.”
Wharton has drawn comparisons to Michael Carrick for his calm presence and pinpoint passing.
With Arsenal eyeing a new midfield general, Hargreaves believes Wharton could be the perfect fit in north London — if they’re willing to meet Palace’s steep asking price.
