Mikel Arteta can finally unleash £45m defensive transfer to realise Arsenal dream

After nearly three months out injured, Thomas Partey is finally back for Arsenal. The Ghanaian made his return to training earlier this week and is hopeful of being involved in Tuesday's trip to Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal are wary of rushing him back, particularly given that Partey suffered the thigh injury that has kept him out for so long while making his return from a hamstring injury that had ruled him out for six weeks prior. Assuming they are able to get Partey's rehabilitation right, which given his record since joining the club is not necessarily a given, the 30-year-old's return has the potential to help Arsenal two-fold.

The Gunners are already well versed in Partey's capabilities at the base of midfield. In their unexpected title charge last season the former Atletico Madrid man was largely excellent in the number six role, and prior to that his form had propelled Arsenal to a Champions League qualification push. In limited matches this season though, Partey has been used differently by Mikel Arteta.

It began towards the end of last season where, with William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko out injured, Partey was used as a right back. While that could be put down to managing an injury crisis, with far more options available to him at the start of this season, Arteta once again opted to use Partey in defence.

It was a move that raised eyebrows at the time, most notably because it saw Gabriel dropped from the starting XI. Speculation was rife around the Brazilian's future at the time amid links to the Saudi Pro League. Arteta was always insistent that it was purely tactical. In hindsight it seems he was telling the truth.

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