Thomas Partey could be forced to leave Arsenal in January if Mikel Arteta fails to do something, and where he is likely to end up has been confirmed.
Partey, 30, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Gunners in the summer. Proposals from parts of Saudi Arabia have been announced, although the Ghanaian is reportedly favored to stay in Europe.
The holding midfielder faces a battle for a regular start for the first time in his Arsenal career. The summer arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz saw Mikel Arteta refresh his ranks and uncertainty now surrounds Partey’s position.
Indeed, Arteta has shown faith in a midfield threesome at Rice flanked by Martin Odegaard and Havertz so far.
Partey kept his place in the eleven, despite being deployed out of the right-back position in the first three games of the season.
Partey is currently sidelined with a groin injury that is expected to keep him out until October. However, with Gabriel Magalhaes recalled last time against Manchester United and Ben White back at right back, Partey may not have a route to the eleven if available for selection.
Speculation is rife that Partey could leave in January or next summer. now, according to Football Insiderthe player himself can force his way out if Arteta does not agree to an important demand.
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Partey ‘willing to quit’ Arsenal if forced into squad role
FI State Partey is ‘ready to quit’ the Gunners in January unless restored to the strongest starting eleven if fully fit.
Given that Arteta clearly favors the Odegaard-Rice-Havertz triumvirate, this is not a request that the Spaniard can easily satisfy.
The report continues to highlight Juventus as the most likely next destination if Partey is able. The Italian giants considered a move for Partey in the summer, although a move clearly did not materialise.
However, their interest is set to rekindle on the back of Paul Pogba being temporarily suspended for failing an anti-doping test.
The Frenchman’s second stint in Turin could be over before it resumes. If Pogba is removed from the equation, Max Allegri’s team will be short in midfield.
A renewed swoop for Partey could be on the cards and if the player is no longer a key cog for Arteta, an exit would be best for all involved.
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