£25m bid accepted, summer signing instruction - Thomas Partey Arsenal transfer verdict given

Thomas Partey played a crucial role in Arsenal's North London Derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been missing for the vast majority of the season, though issued a clear reminder of his quality at the weekend after playing a starring role in the Gunners' dramatic 3-2 triumph.

This was the first timePartey had completed 90 minutes in a match since featuring in a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace in August, such has been the injury struggles of the 30-year-old.

Indeed, the former Atletico Madrid man has missed a total of 72 matches since signing for Arsenal in 2020 and is someone Mikel Arteta has therefore been unable to rely upon at all times.

Highlighting the value of the 2017/18 La Liga winner, Arteta said on Sunday: «He’s a really important player and we have missed him for many months. He looks in great shape». «It’s his presence, his quality, his physicality and his experience.»

With one year remaining on his current contract, transfer chief Edu is facing an important decision over what the future holds for the Arsenal No.5. Do they choose to prolong Partey's stay in the capital or part ways with one of the highest earners in the squad with an unfavourable availability record? football.london writers have had their say, below.

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It's a really tricky decision this for Arsenal. I think in an ideal world Mikel Arteta would like to keep Thomas Partey.

Arsenal's bank balance isn't necessarily his problem after all, it's the performances on the pitch. When you look at it purely from that