"He's Important": Mikel Arteta Confirms He Wants Partey at Arsenal Next Season

• Mikel Arteta all but confirmed Thomas Partey would remain at the Emirates next season
• Partey was heavily linked with an exit from the club and there were reports he could move to Saudi Arabia
• But Arteta ended speculation with a blunt statement on Friday

Thomas Partey is set to stay at the Emirates if Mikel Arteta’s latest sentiments are anything to go by.

The Ghana international joined Arsenal in their three-match tour of the United States a bit late, amid reports that he could join Saudi Arabia club Al Ahli.

It was anticipated that Partey would leave Arsenal, especially after the £105million capture of Declan Rice.

But Arteta has quelled Arsenal fans’ fear of losing the 30-year-old, as he reiterated the importance of the Ghanaian to the squad.

Asked whether Partey would stay, Arteta said, per Mirror:

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“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.”

Arteta was then asked whether Partey could play alongside Rice next season.

“Yeah, they can play together,” said Arteta. “That was in my plans. If you want to improve the squad and have more quality, we need players who can play together.”

Parteyz who signed for Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45.3m, was a key figure in the Gunners’ squad last season, making 33 appearances.

Some pundits have speculated that Arsenal’s title collapse began when the Ghana international started struggling with injuries.