Mikel Arteta tells his plans for Rice and Partey

Mikel Arteta confirms the decision on Thomas Partey’s future.

The Ghana international has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.

He has been one of the standout performers for Mikel Arteta last season and remains a vital part of the manager’s plans.

The Gunners have completed the £100m signing of Declan Rice from West Ham last week.

It was expected that Thomas Partey would be allowed to leave after the arrival of the English midfielder.

But Mikel Arteta ensures that he doesn’t expect Partey to leave in the summer window.

“Yes [he will stay] — Thomas Partey is a super-important player for us and for me, and we want him to be in the team, that’s for sure. They can play together [he and Rice]. That was in my plans,” Mikel Arteta said.

“If you want to improve the squad and have more quality, we need players who can play together and need players in the same positions who have to fight for their places — it’s something we haven’t had in the last few years.”

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