Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has put an end to all the speculations surrounding Thomas Partey’s future at the club.
Amidst swirling rumors suggesting a possible departure for the Ghanaian midfielder, Arteta has unequivocally expressed his desire to retain Partey in the team for the upcoming season.
Addressing reporters ahead of their match against Manchester United, the Spanish tactician highlighted the immense importance of Thomas Partey to both himself and the club, underlining that the midfielder remains a pivotal figure in his plans moving forward.
“Yes [he will stay] – Thomas Partey is a super-important player for us and for me and we want him to be in the team, that’s for sure”
The speculations had gained traction following Arsenal’s signing of Declan Rice from West Ham, leading some to speculate that Rice would replace Partey in the squad.
However, Arteta was quick to dismiss such notions, revealing that he envisions the potential for both players to coexist harmoniously and contribute to the team’s success.
“They can play together [he and Rice]. That was in my plans – if you want to improve the squad and have more quality we need players who can play together and need players in the same positions who have to fight for their places – it’s something we haven’t had in the last few years.
“We want to improve that and that’s why we brought in Declan as well. Every time I spoke to him [Partey] and had a conversation with him he’s ready to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all.”
Thomas Partey’s immediate future with the club had been uncertain due to an injury that kept him from joining the Arsenal squad for their preseason camp in the USA.
However, the Ghanaian vice-captain has now reunited with the team, joining them on Tuesday.
