Amidst ongoing speculations surrounding the future of Thomas Partey, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has underscored the midfielder’s significance to the team, emphasising his crucial role in their pursuit of success.
In an interview following Arsenal’s victory over Luton Town, Partey who featured in the game as a starter for the first time in over seven months reiterated his commitment to the club, expressing his happiness to continue playing for Arsenal despite the swirling transfer rumours.
With a year left on his contract by the end of the ongoing season, Partey, 30, who has struggled almost throughout the season due to injury was confident in his future at Arsenal upon his return to the starting line-up on Wednesday against Luton.
“My head is always here,” he told football.london.
“This is where I choose to play, I’m really happy every time I’m on the field. I know a lot of speculations have been going on, but for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club.”
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Arteta responded positively to Partey’s comments, expressing satisfaction with the midfielder’s attitude and reaffirming his importance to the team.
“He’d better have his head here, because we are playing for big things. That’s what we expect. We need him. He’s a top player and important for us, you could see the other day on the pitch the impact that he can have for us,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Brighton this weekend.”
“He’s our player, he’s got one more year’s contract and I’m really happy with him,” he added.
With Liverpool and Manchester City still in contention for the Premier League title, Arsenal aim to finish the season on a high note, and Partey’s commitment and contribution will play a crucial role in their endeavours.
Unlike last season when Partey played 33 matches and scored three goals, he has only made eight Premier League appearances this season.