Arsenal were linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey over the summer.
However, the Gunners decided against bringing the Ghanaian to the Emirates in a €50m (£41.6m) deal and put their efforts into signing Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe was present on Sunday in the 3-0 defeat to defending champions Manchester City.
Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira turned out in front of the shaky back four and were dominated by the brilliance of Kevin de Bruyne.
The Belgian scored twice and set up Raheem Sterling, which left many Arsenal fans urging the club to reignite their interest in the 26-year-old holding midfielder over the next six months.
Twitter: Thomas Partey has a 43m release clause. He wants to play for Arsenal and we need pace and power. Perfect signing.… https://t.co/91H2EYbTQt (@Arsenal_S1)
Twitter: What @Arsenal need is two center backs and Partey (@wofaYaw_Hova)
Twitter: can’t believe partey begged to join arsenal. he’d be so perfect (@jaaamesp)
Twitter: Can we break the bank to buy ndidi or partey? @Arsenal (@asadoyi)
Read Arsenal verdict
Both Guendouzi and Torreira struggled to cope with City at the Emirates and the need for midfield reinforcements is starting to get desperate.
The Gunners also have their woes at the back but they’ve been lacking a powerful figure in front of the back four since Patrick Vieira left the club in 2005.
Liverpool have seen the difference in their midfield after signing Fabinho, and if the Gunners can finally bring Partey to North London, he could help turn things around.
