Thomas Partey considering Arsenal future

• Thomas Partey has seen a reduced role at Arsenal over the previous few weeks
• Partey was an unused substitute during a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
• The midfielder was used as a right-back in the first three matches of the Premier League this season

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is feeling increasingly frustrated due to his limited involvement in the team and may contemplate a departure from the club if the situation does not improve by the time Christmas rolls around, according to a report by 90min.

The 30-year-old experienced a setback earlier in the season, missing a string of games after sustaining a groin injury during the 2-2 draw with Fulham at the end of August. His regular spot in the midfield has been jeopardized following the emergence of Declan Rice, resulting in Partey’s struggle to secure consistent starting opportunities.

Interestingly, at the outset of the season, Partey was utilized as a makeshift right-back in Arsenal’s first three Premier League matches, but his injury forced a tactical shift that subsequently led to his reduced playing time. Manager Mikel Arteta has favored the likes of Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz in the central midfield, leaving Partey on the sidelines for crucial fixtures.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has seen a reduced role at the club over recent weeks. | PHOTO: Goal |

Although Partey made a return from his injury in the intense victory over Manchester City just before the October international break, he was notably left as an unused substitute during Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. This exclusion came as a surprise, especially considering Partey’s recent playing time for the Ghanaian national team, where he featured for over an hour in their 4-0 defeat against the United States.

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Reportedly, Arteta’s decision to start Jorginho over Partey in the Chelsea match, followed by the substitution of Emile Smith Rowe, Havertz, and Leandro Trossard, has further compounded the frustration for the Ghanaian midfielder. Sources close to Partey have indicated a growing discontent with his diminishing minutes on the pitch, suggesting that if the situation does not improve, he may explore his options once the festive season arrives.

Despite Arsenal’s initial willingness to entertain offers for Partey during the summer transfer window, the club eventually opted to retain the services of the Ghanaian, turning down interest from both Saudi Pro League clubs and Juventus. However, it remains uncertain whether the club’s stance on Partey has shifted, particularly considering their public pursuit of a new defensive midfielder.

In their search for reinforcements, Arsenal has shown continued interest in Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, who has recently committed to a new long-term contract with his current club. Moreover, the Gunners’ sporting director, Edu, has been actively scouting potential targets in Brazil, with players such as Andre Trindade from Fluminense garnering attention, even amidst strong interest from Liverpool.

Additionally, emerging talents including Gabriel Moscardo and Pablo Maia from Corinthians and Sao Paulo, as well as Royal Antwerp’s rising star Arthur Vermeeren, have all appeared on Arsenal’s radar. Vermeeren, a highly-rated 18-year-old defensive midfielder, has attracted the attention of several European powerhouses, including Manchester City, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, in addition to Arsenal’s monitoring of his progress in Belgium.