Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said Thomas Partey is “without a question of a doubt” a part of his plans for the upcoming new season.
Partey has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer. That is with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Italy keeping tabs on his situation.
It has been reported that the former Atletico Madrid midfielder is open on a transfer to Serie A. This is while Saudi clubs are believed to willing to pay €40million.
Rumours of an exit have died down in recent weeks. Now Arteta has emphasised his desire to keep hold of Partey.
What Arteta had to say about Partey
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against Manchester United in New Jersey. The Spanish manager was asked if the Ghanaian international is in his plans for the new season
He replied: “Yes. Without a question of a doubt. Thomas is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be part of the team. That’s for sure.
“Every time I spoke to him and had a conversation with him he’s ready to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all.”
Arsenal spending £105m on Declan Rice suggested Partey was on the chopping block. But Arteta insists they can operate together in the same midfield.
“They can play together,” he explained. “That was in my plans.
“If you want to improve the squad and have more quality you need players that can improve the squad and players in the same position that can fight for the same places.
“It’s something that we haven’t had in the last few years. We wanted to improve that. That’s why we bought Declan as well.”
