Mikel Arteta made a decisive announcement regarding a star player after a disappointing performance against Spurs, emphasizing that the player is no longer in his plans and should seek a new club or risk being benched for the rest of the season. The player in question is neither Jorginho, Nketiah, nor Ramsdale.
Arteta’s intention to potentially sell this Arsenal star in the upcoming January transfer window has sparked discussions among football pundits. The Gunners had invested significantly in the summer to close the gap with Manchester City, acquiring talents like David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz. Rice’s presence in the holding midfield role pushed Thomas Partey to a less-familiar right-back position early in the season. However, Partey’s ongoing groin injury added to a series of setbacks that have hampered his time at Arsenal.
During the summer, clubs from the Saudi Pro League and Juventus expressed interest in acquiring Partey. Juventus, in particular, is now reportedly considering reigniting their pursuit, especially with Paul Pogba facing a provisional suspension due to a failed anti-doping test.
Football Insider’s Gabby Agbonlahor believes it might be wise for Arsenal to consider selling Partey in January due to his injury-prone history, which could worsen as he enters his 30s. Agbonlahor suggests that Partey’s inconsistent performances and frequent injuries might not justify keeping him, and securing a substantial transfer fee could fund a long-term replacement.
In light of these considerations, it appears Juventus stands as a likely destination for Partey if Arsenal decides to proceed with the sale. The decision to part ways with this key player could be a significant move for Arsenal, strategically aligning with their long-term objectives and addressing concerns about Partey’s injury proneness as he progresses in his career.