At the beginning of the season, it appeared almost inevitable that this would be Thomas Partey’s final campaign at Arsenal. The midfielder had struggled with a series of persistent injuries since arriving at the Emirates, often leaving the club frustrated due to his limited availability. Despite his clear talent, his time on the pitch had been significantly restricted, prompting expectations that he would be moved on in the upcoming transfer window.
However, Partey has defied those expectations with an impressive resurgence. Over the course of the current season, he has displayed the level of form and fitness that Arsenal initially hoped for when he joined. His performances have not only silenced doubts but have also forced a reassessment of his future at the club.
Arteta Shifts His Stance on Midfield Plans
Arsenal had been linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi as part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen the midfield. Yet, Thomas Partey’s recent form has prompted Mikel Arteta to reconsider. Rather than allowing the Ghanaian to leave, the manager now wishes to keep him as a central part of his plans.
According to Football Insider, talks are underway between Arsenal and Partey regarding a contract extension. Arteta is reportedly confident that a new agreement can be reached, having made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that he would prefer to retain the midfielder. The shift in stance underscores how valuable Partey’s presence has become in the latter part of the season.
Partey’s Return to Form Offers Arsenal Stability
Partey’s ability to maintain his fitness has been crucial. This consistency has not only improved the team’s midfield stability but has also reaffirmed his importance in Arteta’s tactical system. With his experience and composure on the ball, Partey has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable players this term.
Retaining a player of his calibre could provide much-needed continuity as Arsenal continue to develop their squad. Should he remain fit and committed, Partey could yet play a vital role in the Gunners’ ambitions for the next campaign. All signs now point toward a future in north London rather than an exit.
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The retention of Partey is imperative whether we sign Zubimendi or another midfielder which i personally would favour.
And who is that other midfielder you would favour?
Forget about Zubimendi. My dream midfield for Arsenal: Partey, Rice, Morgan Gibbs-White. We would become Arsenal the unstoppable. Let me get back to sleep. Just dreaming.
Partey lacks positional discipline. He holds on to the ball for too long in dangerous areas such as around the box and ends up losing the ball, and putting pressure on the defence. He sometimes takes too long in his decision making while moving the ball forward. We also need a winger like semenyo who brings physicality, hold up play as well as goals.
Partey has always been poor when it comes to positional awareness but very good in possession.
To me his lack of energy to cover ground in that midfield is what’s making me nervous. I just rewatched the Newcastle and PSG (Away) games over the weekend, Partey’s struggles to keep up in the midfield was so disheartening.
I think age has naturally caught up with him. Against more dynamic midfields he shouldn’t start ever again accept if we are struggling with injuries. He can come on later on when both teams are tiring..
And I hear that he wants a wage increase if he is to sign a contract extention. If so then Let him go.
Partey lacks positional discipline! Which planet are you on? Have you ever watched a single arsenal game? Something tells me you know very little about the game.
I agree.
To me Partey is done. I was so hopeful for him this season but on average I was not that impressed. It’s time to go.
I have watched him play this season and now think he is a big weakness out of possesion. When we have possession he is okay, but my goodness he struggles out of possesion when we are being countered. He runs like he has weights tied on his legs..
He can’t cover ground in that midfield anymore.
Against Newcastle all game he was caught napping the Newcastle midfielder kept just running past him so many times. Rice was running on empty but was up and down that pitch.
I say we stop with the sentiment and replace Partey with a younger more dynamic replacement or he should replace Jorginho as a bit part player to use sparingly depending on opposition.
Well Zubimendi is younger but i would hardly describe him as “dynamic” whereas, Carlos Baleba is and has the versatility to play DM or in a box to box role.Off the ball he just happens to be the quickest central midfielder in the Premier League .
Grandad I was interested to read your post where you feel Partey must be retained. Would you mind putting more meat on the bones of your reasoning? I’m no expert but I have noticed more mistakes and lack of speed. How do you see him as irreplaceable at this moment in time and give me your views. Thanks
Sue, while Partey has lost pace in recovery, he is still superb on the ball and has been instrumental in improving Saliba , Gabriel and Kwior when it comes to making angles to retain possession which, as you know is the mantra of our Manager.Our problems in defence have arisen in the left back position which is invariably vacant due to the inversion tactics used by Arteta.Going forward Partey sees the game with an intelligence which makes me think he is able to see the game from the elevated TV cameras ,such is his ability to make the correct pass for the situation.With Jorjinho gone , we would be mad to rely on Zubimendi and Rice as our only DMs over a season.We need at least 3 guys who can play in this vital position in my opinion.
He would be good as a back up DM at this stage in his career.Thouh the legs have slowed,he’s still a baller!
Partey must stay, who can bench partey for now. Arteta would not sleep on the bicycle.