Thomas Partey’s days at Arsenal might be numbered this summer after the midfielder’s former club Atletico Madrid eye the midfielder. Following on from the signing of Partey from Atletico Madrid, the midfielder was under a lot of expectation in London indeed. However, the player could not latch on to the expectation and win the trust of Mikel Arteta.
The spell left Arsenal fans with various feelings including brilliant moments and injuries. Partey’s transfer to the Emirates stadium was looked forward to when Arsenal had activated his £50 million release clause. This finally stopped the Gunner’s quest for a defensive midfielder.
Arsenal’s Midfield Evolution And Arrival of Declan Rice
Despite the efforts of Thomas Partey, there was something missing in the midfield of the Gunners. This changed after the record signing of Declan Rice. The former West Ham captain instantly became an important piece of Mikel Arteta’s tactics. The Gunners are also looking reinforce their midfield further this summer which will result in many departures.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is the Gunners’ top summer target. Following his dismissal by Liverpool, Zubimendi continues to create a riot in La Liga. Also the Spanish midfielder is a Euro winner which again speaks about the player’s quality. Furthermore, the Real Sociedad star will also be a perfect addition to Arteta’s system with technicality, composure, and flexibility in the middle of the park.
Thomas Partey’s Resurgence This Season
The most ironic thing is that Partey is arguably playing the most beautiful football of his Arsenal career when he is most likely to leave the club. Having battled injuries throughout his previous seasons, the 31-year-old has been enjoying a run of fitness and form at last. The midfielder was instrumental in Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid after dominating the midfield.
Atletico Madrid look at their former midfielder on a roll to win the Champions League. Atletico Madrid’s midfield can be strengthened next season with the Ghanaian midfielder. The player’s physicality and work rate are highly rated by Diego Simeone. In addition, following a poor season, Atletico Madrid will be interested in making a few significant changes this next season.
Absence Against Paris Saint-Germain
Things are not looking good for Arsenal after Partey picked up a late yellow card which suspends the midfielder against Paris Saint-Germain. With PSG hitting their form, this suspension came at the worst possible time. Mikel Arteta will try new midfield structure with Declan Rice anchoring the midfield and players like Martin Ødegaard orchestrating attacks.
Moreover, fans can also see Mikel Merino back in the midfield after being deployed as a makeshift striker previously. The squad depth is not a problem for the Gunners but Partey’s quality will leave a massive gap in the midfield. This game can turn out to be a midfield battle with both the teams putting world-class numbers at the centre of the park.
What Next for Thomas Partey?
A switch back to Atletico Madrid would seem to be the perfect move for Thomas Partey. The midfielder understands the philosophy of Diego Simeone which over values defensive discipline, work ethics and counter attacking game. Additionally, Atletico Madrid also require some experienced players to participate in domestic and continental competitions to participate next season.
The midfielder’s career is approaching to a end, but Partey’s quality is still there. This is a big decision for the player to decide where to spend the remaining peak years of a decorated career. No matter the club, Thomas Partey is a valuable addition to the squad with a perfect blend of quality and experience. Arsenal and Partey will set their sights on the remaining Champions League campaign.
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