Thomas Partey, the Arsenal star, has publicly voiced his discontent with his manager, Mikel Arteta. Partey’s frustration stems from Arteta’s decision to leave him out of the Chelsea match and his unexpected actions. The £200,000-a-week Ghanaian midfielder was fully fit and available for the London derby against Chelsea, but to his surprise, Arteta didn’t include him in the starting lineup. Notably, Partey had represented Ghana in the week leading up to the Chelsea match.
This omission has left Thomas Partey disheartened and frustrated with his diminished role at Arsenal. There are even reports suggesting that he might contemplate leaving the club in the January transfer window, despite his willingness to fight for his place in the starting lineup. As of now, he has only made three starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League this season.
The question arises whether Arsenal should consider selling Thomas Partey in January 2024. It is my belief that this would not be the wisest course of action. Instead, if Arsenal ever decide to part ways with him, they should wait until the end of the season. The reason behind this is the potential for change in the situation. Arsenal has ambitious goals for the season, aiming to clinch the Premier League title and advance to the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League. To achieve these objectives, Mikel Arteta should retain experienced players like Partey.
Despite his current limited involvement, it’s crucial to recognize Partey’s past contributions and wealth of experience. In a dynamic and competitive league like the Premier League, squad depth is vital. Players like Partey, with their experience and versatility, can prove invaluable over the course of a long season. Therefore, selling him mid-season might not align with Arsenal’s aspirations.