Former Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie believes Thomas Partey will be crucial for the club in the 2023/24 season.

According to him, the Ghanaian's importance will play a role in Arsenal's season after they narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season.

Partey was linked with a move away from the club this summer following the arrival of Declan Rice with Saudi Arabia clubs showing interest in him.

However, Mikel Arteta has made it open that he wants the midfielder to stay with Van Persie also making known the importance of the 30-year-old to the Arsenal team.

“Losing such a player without a brilliant replacement will really affect Arsenal, and Arteta knows this, he said in an interview as quoted by Arinda Ozillian.

"He needs to stay and help them do great next season."

Partey has been impressive during their pre-season run and will likely star for the Gunners when they, Manchester City in Community Shield on Sunday, August 6.