Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic about Thomas Partey making a significant contribution to the Premier League title race. Despite being limited to just four league appearances this season due to various injuries, the Ghanaian midfielder is anticipated to feature in the Gunners’ squad for Monday’s match against Sheffield United.
Arteta is eager to see Partey form a formidable partnership with record-signing Declan Rice. Having acquired Rice for £105m in the summer, Arteta recalls the positive experience of the midfielder playing alongside Partey in the Community Shield victory against Manchester City in August.
Arteta told reporters: “I will have to see that chemistry on the pitch, and those qualities, and the things we have to treat around to make sure they play to their strengths and make each other better.
“But I think that will be a very powerful midfield.
“I think they only played in the Community Shield together in midfield. That tells you how much we have missed Thomas.
“To play the whole season – and a player like him who has not played much with us – the impact he can have for the next three months can be really big.”
