Arsenal News: Thomas Partey’s arrival at Arsenal was greeted with much anticipation. However, he has not lived up to the high expectations placed on him at Emirates.
On deadline day in October 2020, the Gunners agreed a £45m deal to bring him to north London from Atletico Madrid. Partey, an exceptionally talented midfielder, had many suitors across Europe, but it was Arsenal who sealed the deal.
As a result of his signing, there was quickly talk of Arsenal being one of the four favourites, although things did not go exactly as planned. The Ghanaian has struggled to play regularly due to ongoing injury problems, which is the main problem.
Partey had a nearly flawless fitness record in the Spanish city. However, he has been seen frequently by Arsenal’s medical staff. The 29-year-old missed 10 games in the Premier League alone during his debut season for the club due to injuries.
Arsenal news: Gunners fans frustrated
Few Arsenal fans will forget when Partey left the pitch on his own initiative during a North London derby just months after joining the team.
Harry Kane took advantage of the situation to score. Arteta was forced to physically push the man back into action. However, the damage had already been done on the boy’s knee and on Arsenal’s chances of winning the game.
Last season, not much changed as Partey’s fitness problems saw him miss nine league games. It’s not like he’s made up for it with impeccable performance every time he’s well enough to play, either. The midfielder recently confessed that he gave his time at Arsenal up to that point a four out of 10 rating.
Now Partey has withdrawn from Ghana’s friendly against Brazil in the warm-up. Once again questionable for Spurs’ imminent visit, it’s time for Arteta to review his options in midfield. Although Partey is talented, trusting him for a season is simply impossible.
Arsenal wants to rejoin Europe’s elite. However, their loss at the end of last year’s season showed that they are just one Partey injury away from having the entire season derailed.
Lokonga as a deputy, is there still no jury?
The Ghanaian’s current deputy, Albert Sambi Lokonga, has shown glimpses of his talent. However, it remains unclear whether he can be trusted as a midfield staple for a team with Champions League aspirations.
As a result, Arteta is forced to take action and spend the summer. She is looking for a man who can replace Partey as a member of the team. The Gunners need a player who, like Granit Xhaka, can be counted on for more games.
Arteta cannot afford to repeat the same mistake in January. The Champions League will be at stake again. Questions arose as the summer transfer window passed without reinforcements in the middle of the park.
