Mikel Arteta could be forced to make changes to his midfield line-up next season if Thomas Partey leaves Arsenal at the end of his contract, which expires in June
If Thomas Partey leaves Arsenal this summer then it could lead to major changes in the Gunners midfield. Partey’s contract will expire at the end of June, with no sign yet of a new deal for the midfielder.
The Ghana international has been a key player for Mikel Arteta ever since he arrived from Atletico Madrid. The 31-year-old has made 51 appearances in all competitions, though the Gunners went another year without a trophy.
Doubts are increasing that Partey will extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium. In response, boss Mikel Arteta is being forced to draw up a number of contingency plans to replace the midfielder in his squad.
A move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi remains on the cards, although Real Madrid are also in the running for the Spain international with incoming Bernabeu boss Xabi Alonso a huge fan of the Euro 2024 winner and keen to unite in the Spanish capital. As such, it’s not guaranteed that he makes his way to the Premier League, although Arsenal have been confident they will get a deal done.
If Zubimendi does not arrive, then Arteta could be forced to look at solutions already in his squad.
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Top of that list is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has broken into the first-team this season. Since making his debut at Manchester City, the youngster has become the Gunners’ first-choice left-back and earned a call-up to the England squad.
While he has found a place in defence, Lewis-Skelly came through the academy as a central midfielder and still sees himself predominantly as such. Arteta is a huge fan of his intelligence and ability to take the ball under pressure, and could look to utilise that ability in the event that Partey leaves – with Arsenal already boasting a number of other left-back options.
While the 18-year-old would likely welcome a move forwards, he has shown no signs of unhappiness with his current role. He did though admit that he would be happy to play anywhere Arteta saw fit.
“It’s been a smooth process because I love to learn and I love to improve,” he told Sky Sports. “That pursuit of learning every day and to grow, I love to ask questions. If I don’t know the answer yet I’ll make sure to ask the question.
“It was a smooth process for me because obviously I’m a midfielder by trade, but the position wasn’t unnatural to me. I’ve enjoyed it. Due to our playing style, I tend to go inside some of the time.
“I will play wherever the manager needs me, and it is important to be versatile. The top players in the world are able to occupy different positions. So, for me, I will do whatever it takes to be in the team.
“I want to outwork my potential. I just want to be the best version of me every day. I feel like it would take me to a good position in this industry. I just want to be a sponge and take everything in, becoming the best version I can.
“His [Arteta] attention to detail is incredible. I love to learn so learning from him and the way he handles and approaches the games, it’s fascinating. There’s so much I can take from him. He’s a genius really.”
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