Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident that the acquisition of Declan Rice from West Ham should not cast doubt on Thomas Partey’s future at the club. According to Arteta, both players possess the necessary qualities required for success at Arsenal.
After engaging in extensive discussions with their London rivals, Arsenal successfully secured the services of the England international, breaking their club-record fee. This signing comes in addition to Jorginho, who joined from Chelsea in the previous January transfer window.
There were speculations about Partey’s potential departure, as he found himself lower in the manager’s choices during the latter part of the previous season. With Rice’s arrival, it was thought that there might be increased competition for the 30-year-old midfielder.
However, Arteta has clarified that the club’s plan is to enhance the team ahead of the upcoming season, considering the numerous matches they will be competing in, including their return to the UEFA Champions League after many years. The focus remains on strengthening the squad and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.
“They can play together. That was in my plans. If you want to improve the squad and have more quality you need players that can improve the squad and players in the same position that can fight for the same places. It’s something that we haven’t had in the last few years. We wanted to improve that. That’s why we bought Declan as well,” he said to the media ahead of their pre-season clash with Manchester United on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Partey has reportedly received a number of offers from Italian and Turkish clubs as well as Saudi clubs who are still spending significantly to elevate the standard of the league.