Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that using Declan Rice and Thomas Partey together in midfield is in his plans. That is for the upcoming season.
The Gunners made a huge statement by breaking their transfer record to sign Rice few days back. The Englishman became the most-expensive British player in history. And the Gooners love him already.
Following Rice’s arrival, rumours about Partey’s future have been rife. This is because they play in the same position. In his press conference few days back, Arteta rubbed away the rumours that they can’t start together in midfield.
Rice and Partey will be a solid base for Arsenal moving forward
Thomas Partey was one of Arsenal‘s best players for most of last season. Right up until April. The Ghana international was up there with the best defensive midfielders in Europe. But his form fell off a cliff late in the campaign, and he got dropped.
Numerous rumours have claimed that Arsenal are ready to sell Partey this summer window. The Sun even quoted £30 million as the minimum fee he would cost.
Many felt Declan Rice‘s presence is the reason for the above. But Mikel Arteta completely dismissed those thoughts.
After adamantly claiming Partey is not for sale. The Arsenal boss was asked if it is possible for both Rice and the Ghanaian to play in the same team in his system. And he replied with a strong YES.
The back five is a very predictable one. Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal. That is with a defensive line of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior. The latter is because Zinchenko is still injured.
The big question mark is what midfield Arteta will name. Thomas Partey didn’t play the game in Washington DC earlier this week. While Rice and Martin Odegaard only came on as substitutes.
