The Gunners currently have Partey and Jorginho in the final year of their contracts. The former has been ever-present in the starting line-up, but his future is uncertain beyond the current campaign.

Watts has now revealed that the Ghanaian is more or less expected to leave on a free transfer next summer and Arsenal could be searching for a quality replacement in the transfer market pretty soon.

Ederson recently delivered a strong performance against Arsenal in the Champions League and Watts believes he could be a quality candidate to succeed Partey in the number six role next term.

The Brazilian is not known for his distribution from the centre of the park, but he has impressed with his duel winning ability, tackling as well as the knack for creating and scoring goals for his team.

He could be signed from the Serie A outfit for £45 million.

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