Arsenal midfielder admits he will ‘have to compete’ for starting role amid Mikel Merino talks

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal look set to add to their already strong midfield depth as they enter talks over a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino.

Merino can play both as a number six and a number eight, which raises questions about where Declan Rice will play in the Arsenal midfield next season.

Jorginho signed a new deal to remain at the club, whilst there are question marks over the future of Thomas Partey.

Partey has been linked with an exit after yet another season of injury struggle, but there have been no talks with clubs in Saudi Arabia, and the midfielder seeing out the final year of his contract cannot be ruled out.

Thomas Partey opens up on Arsenal midfield competition

Partey has now spoken to Hayters TV about the increased competition in midfield, but has highlighted the positives of Arsenal having so many different options in his position.

“We have a lot of players in the middle. We have a lot of players in that position. Jorginho is playing good, I am playing good. Dec (Rice) is there, Martin (Odegaard) too,” he stated.

“We also have other players who can come in and make a difference. We have to compete against each other and at the end of the day it is Arteta who decides.

“With this kind of competition, we can get to the level that we want to be at.

“At the end of the day It doesn’t matter who plays. I think the most important thing is the team achieves their objective.”

Thomas Partey could change Arsenal transfer plans

If Partey stays at Arsenal and can remain fit, he will be a valuable option to have in midfield, even with Merino coming in.

Both Rice and Merino can play at the base of midfield, but both thrive in box-to-box roles, meaning that Jorginho or Partey could start alongside them.

If Partey leaves, Arsenal may even bring in another defensive midfielder, with Boca Juniors star Ezequiel Fernandez on Mikel Arteta’s radar.

However, he now appears likely to stay, and Arsenal will hope that he does not suffer injury frustration again.

“I am doing my best to be more consistent and stay fit. It is an everyday job. I cannot give up and need to keep going,” Partey added.

“It’s life! Things happen and sometimes they are things you cannot control. I have to keep going and keep fighting. Every time I fall I have to get up and fight back. That is the mentality I have. I also think that any time I can help the team that is what I have to do.”

With a full pre-season under his belt, Partey will hope to return to his best form to stake a claim for a starting spot ahead of Jorginho.