The arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham United has led to uncertainty regarding the future of Thomas Partey, however, Mikel Arteta is assured that the Ghanaian midfielder will remain at Arsenal.
Partey has been rumored to be on a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, although Arteta stated that the 30-year-old remains a key component of his setup.
In a presser prior to Arsenal’s 2-0 preseason loss to Manchester United at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey, Arteta said that Thomas Partey is a “super important player” for the Gunners.
The Ghanaian made 40 appearances for Arsenal last term, scoring 3 goals and providing no assists across all competitions.
He contributed immensely to the North London side last term and even almost assisted the club in ending their nearly 20-year wait for the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta disclosed that every time he has discussed with Thomas Partey, the ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder’s desire is to remain at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey will remain at Arsenal
He said: “Every time I spoke to him and every time I have a conversation with him, his will is to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all.”
Arteta, who led Arsenal to a 2nd place finish in the Premier League last term stated that Partey and Rice can function together in midfield.
However, he expressed that despite their need for players who can play together, Arsenal also need players in the same position who can battle for places.
Mikel Arteta said the Gunners have faced issues regarding squad depth and that’s why they bought Declan Rice.
The 41-year-old said: “It’s something we haven’t had over the last few years and we wanted to improve that and that’s why we bought Declan”.
Arsenal have been quick with their businesses this summer, with the arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, Jurrien Timber from Ajax and Declan Rice from Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has apparently seen the areas where the Gunners fell short last term and he has gone into the market to get needed reinforcements.
Thomas Partey has made 99 appearances for Arsenal since he joined the club from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for a fee of €50 million.
He has scored 5 goals and provided 4 assists in addition to offering the club solidity in midfield.
With the arrival of Declan Rice, there was skepticism regarding Partey’s future at the Emirates and following the departure of Granit Xhaka, who joined Bayern Leverkusen for a fee of €15 million.
However, Mikel Arteta has stated that he has him in his plans for the new season, given his immense qualities.
Partey arrived late to Arsenal’s preseason training
Speculations concerning the exit of Thomas Partey heightened following the midfielder’s late arrival for their preseason tour in America.
The link to Al Ahli appears to be gaining ground, given the Saudi Arabian side’s approach in the transfer market.
Al Ahli, who recently got promoted to the Saudi Pro League are edging closer to signing Allan Saint-Maximin and Riyad Mahrez, from Newcastle United and Manchester City.
Having already signed Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino from Premier League clubs; Chelsea and Liverpool, respectively, the Saudi Arabian side are also interested in acquiring Fulham boss Marco Silva.
