Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has expressed his desire to keep midfielder Thomas Partey at the club for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Despite a productive transfer window, with signings of Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz, the Gunners must also manage departures to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
The club is reportedly open to further squad additions, but Arteta acknowledges that some players must leave the Emirates Stadium to maintain a positive financial position. Among those expected to depart are Nicolas Pepe and Folarin Balogun, whose exits will aid in reducing the wage bill and generating funds.
However, uncertainty surrounds Thomas Partey’s future. The Ghanaian midfielder played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s title challenge during the 2022-23 season, contributing five goals and four assists in 99 appearances across all competitions. But with the recent acquisition of Declan Rice, Partey’s starting position may be at risk.
Rumors have linked Partey to Juventus and several clubs in Saudi Arabia, indicating a strong interest in the former Atletico Madrid star. Nevertheless, during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, Arteta made it clear that Partey is still an integral part of his squad.
Arteta’s stance is firm, as he reassured reporters, “Without a question of a doubt, Thomas Partey is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be in the team. 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.”
Even with Granit Xhaka’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal boasts a well-stocked midfield with the likes of Jorginho, Mohamed Elneny, and Albert Sambi Lokonga. While the latter may be sold or loaned out, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, and Kai Havertz are also strong candidates for Arteta’s midfield three.
Despite this, Arsenal has been linked with other midfielders, such as Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who has garnered interest from several Premier League clubs.
