Arsenal selling Thomas Partey makes sense after injury opens the door for France international

Thomas Partey is a very good footballer. It’s important to start a discussion about why a player should probably be sold with this caveat and the reason behind the sale isn’t regarding his footballing level which has helped Arsenal considerably during his tenure… when he has been available.

And it is that last thought which has been the undoing of Partey’s potential long-term future with the club. As he approaches the final year of his deal with the club, which ends in 2025, potential talk of an extension has turned to a sale as early as the January transfer window.

Partey has already missed a significant period of the season due to a groin injury suffered after the 2-2 draw with Fulham. Now, he faces yet another spell out of the team after Mikel Arteta confirmed yet another problem.

“He’s got a muscle injury and we expect him to be out for a few weeks,” he said. “We don’t know the extent of it still, he has more tests today. He got that injury in training, with the last kick of the ball. Very unfortunate.”

As the famous saying goes, the best ability is availability.It is a huge reason behind the massive investment in Declan Rice who while also being a world-class midfielder like Partey can almost guarantee you his presence week-in week-out – touch wood.

The next chance to make the move happen which would be the January transfer window. There have been suggestions of interest from Italy and Saudi Arabia in Partey and whilst the fees discussed — in excess of £30million in the summer — might indeed be lower, anything which could help fund a replacement would be invaluable.

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