Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, expressed his excitement about having both Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and Englishman Declan Rice in his squad for the upcoming football season.
Amidst speculations surrounding Partey’s possible transfer, Arteta made it clear that the midfielder is staying at the club.
During a press conference in New Jersey as part of Arsenal’s tour of the US, Arteta affirmed his belief in having Partey and Rice play together. He stated, “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. They can play together [he and Rice]. That was in my plans,” Mikel Arteta said.
Arteta also emphasized the importance of having players who can play together and compete for positions, which he believes will improve the squad’s quality.
“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.”
Arsenal fans might have the opportunity to witness Partey and Rice’s partnership in midfield as they take on Manchester United in a pre-season friendly match later today in the USA.
