The Latest Arsenal News: Mikel Arteta has revealed that Thomas Partey is an important player of the club and wants him to play alongside Rice
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed unwavering confidence in the future of Thomas Partey at the Emirates. Despite the recent arrival of England star Declan Rice, Arteta insists that the Ghanaian midfielder remains a vital part of his plans for the upcoming season.
Speaking before the team’s preseason matchup with Manchester United on Saturday in New Jersey, Arteta made it plain how important Partey is to the group: “Without a question of a doubt, Thomas Partey is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be in the team.” He further revealed that Partey himself has shown a strong desire to stay with Arsenal, quashing any rumors of an imminent departure to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
Declan Rice’s acquisition has sparked concerns about how it may affect Thomas Partey’s position on the team. However, Arteta stressed that both players can collaborate well, and that he acquired them as part of his plan to raise the standard of the team as a whole.
“We need players who can play together but we need players in the same position who can fight for their places,” Arteta explained. “It’s something we haven’t had over the last few years, and we wanted to improve that, and that’s why we bought Declan.”
Arsenal’s second-place finish behind Manchester City in the previous Premier League season was a learning experience for the team, according to Arteta. He thinks that the difficulties the club endured last season taught them important lessons that will help them succeed more in the future.
“I think what happened last year probably was necessary to learn the lessons you have to learn, get better, and be more successful and achieve what we want to achieve,” Arteta stated. “The level is going to go up. Teams are getting better, and the league is getting stronger; it is only going to get harder.”
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