CONFIRMED Arsenal set Thomas Partey departure stance clear today after receiving fresh transfer approach
Arsenal have no plans to offload Thomas Partey in the final stretch of the summer transfer window despite surprise interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahce. The Super Lig outfit are understood to have made an enquiry for the Ghanaian midfielder as they continue their pursuit of a No.6 but the Gunners have no interest in entertaining the prospect of an exit – particularly this late in the window.
At the start of the summer, things might have been different as Mikel Arteta toyed with the idea of a second significant change to his midfield department following the sale of Granit Xhaka.
Partey was beginning to attract strong interest from Saudi Arabia and there was a chance that Arsenal would be willing to sanction the player’s departure if they received a credible offer.
Juventus also made enquiries but their ongoing financial limitations meant they were never really deemed capable of tabling a substantial proposal.
Romeo Lavia was briefly considered in the midst of this period but it soon became apparent that Arsenal were prepared to stick to their guns and pair Partey with £105million club-record signing Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
The duo have shown early signs of promise although Partey was fielded as a makeshift right-back in the opening-day Premier League triumph over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
This once again highlighted the importance of Partey, who remains of immense value to Mikel Arteta despite ongoing transfer speculation.
The Spaniard made it abundantly clear just a matter of weeks ago that Partey was always part of his plans for the 2023/24 campaign.
“Without a question of a doubt, Thomas Partey is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be in the team,” Arteta said.
Every time I spoke to him and every time I have a conversation with him, his will is to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all.”
He also added on pairing Partey with Rice: “They can play together and that was in my plans.
“You want to improve the squad and have more quality. We need players who can play together but we need players in the same position who can fight for their places.”
Even if Fenerbahce had decided to launch a bid for Partey, it’s extremely unlikely they would have the financial muscle to present an acceptable offer, anyway.
Partey has two years left on his contract meaning the Gunners will face a decision on his future further down the line when he approaches the final 12 months of his deal.
Fenerbahce are also understood to have explored a move for Jorginho in recent weeks.
But once again, the Italian is set to remain in north London with the Gunners and has no plans to leave Arsenal in the final weeks of the window.
Arsenal are unlikely to sanction any more high-profile departures and will instead focus their efforts on offloading the fringe players that are not considered to be part of Arteta’s plans.
