Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has put an end to all the speculation surrounding the future of Thomas Partey this summer.
The 30-year-old Ghana international joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid three years ago, and he has been a very important player for the North Londoners. He was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for most of last season as well.
“Yes [he will stay] – 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,” the manager said in New Jersey during Arsenal’s tour of the US. “They can play together [he and Rice]. That was in my plans – if you want to improve the squad and have more quality we need players who can play together and need players in the same positions who have to fight for their places – it’s something we haven’t had in the last few years.
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“We want to improve that and that’s why we brought in Declan as well. Every time I spoke to him [Partey] and had a conversation with him he’s ready to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all.”
Arteta’s side beat the MLS All-Stars 5-0 on Wednesday night and will face another friendly match against rivals Manchester United at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday.