Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has spoken out about Thomas Partey’s future at the club amid reports suggesting they were keen to offload the Ghana midfielder.

The Spaniard has now said he wants the Black Stars deputy captain, who he described as “super important”, to stay with his team next season.

He was speaking at a press conference ahead of their preseason game against Manchester United on Saturday.

When asked if he has Thomas Partey in his plans for the 2023/24 season, Arteta replied, “Without a question of a doubt. Thomas is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be part of the team”.

Following the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham, rumours intensified that he would replace Thomas Partey but Mikel Arteta revealed that he can play them together.

“Yeah. They can play together. That was in my plans. If you want to improve the squad you need players that can improve the squad and players that can play together.”

Thomas Partey was not part of the initial Arsenal squad that travelled to the USA on Sunday for their preseason camping because of an injury but joined the team on Tuesday.