Mikel Arteta is saddled with a tricky decision on whether to gamble with Arsenal’s midfield make-up between now and the end of the season. Thomas Partey returned to the starting line-up on Wednesday night for the first time in almost six months, but sticking with the Ghanaian is not a straightforward choice.
Partey’s promotion to the starting XI for the 2-0 win over Luton Town was by no means an indicator of guaranteed starts over the coming weeks. Arteta fielded a weakened side on the whole with Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko among the starters.
Of late, Jorginho has been the chosen candidate to complete the Gunners’ midfield three. But unlike Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, the Italian is not immovable, and Partey is now fit and ready to step in if required.
The 30-year-old was a strong and reliable performer in his first three seasons at Arsenal after completing a £45million move from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
But groin and hamstring issues have severely limited his minutes this season, with only eight appearances in the Premier League to date. Arteta taking a gamble and promoting Partey back to a starting spot could pave the way for a contract renewal this summer.
Partey is approaching the final 12 months of his deal and he was widely expected to pursue a new challenge elsewhere. However, he made it clear earlier this week that staying in north London would be his number-one choice.
