Journalist highlights why £200k-a-week Arsenal star ‘will always be a problem’ for Arteta

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Arsenal’s midfield selections have been a topic of discussion all season, given the depth Mikel Arteta now has at his disposal, but he faces a problem.

Thomas Partey was one of the side’s top performers last season, but the arrivals of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice in the summer, alongside a lengthy injury, means that he has not featured in midfield much this season.

He started the season as an inverted right-back before his injury, but made his return off the bench in midfield against Manchester City, and impressed instantly.

His quality means that despite the summer arrivals, as well as links to other midfielders including Arthur Vermeeren, Arteta will still have a problem when it comes to selecting Partey.

Arteta’s Partey problem

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones highlighted why Arteta has an issue when it comes to his £200k-per-week star.

“They must consider who will play in that position in the next few years. For example, Vermeeren from Antwerp is somebody they’ve been tracking,” Jones stated.

“I think that we’re starting to see where Arsenal’s flaws are. Partey not being in that team will always be a problem for Arsenal. Arteta is going to have to be careful about the use of him.”

Partey’s injuries

The problem with Partey is two-fold: despite the summer arrivals, he is still a player who elevates the level of the midfield, but his injury problems will prove a frustration for Arteta.

Essentially, Partey is highly important for Arsenal, but Arteta cannot rely on him to stay fit throughout the season.

Any midfielder that comes in, may take game time even further away from the 30-year-old, but Arsenal may still find that they are reliant on him at the base of midfield, which could also allow Declan Rice to push further forward.

Arsenal started with Jorginho and Rice in midfield against Man City, and both played superbly. However, it was Partey’s introduction which led to the winning goal, and people were reminded of what a quality player he is.

Arteta now needs to make sure that Partey can stay fit for the biggest games, but he also needs to be mindful that rotating him out, even with Rice and Jorginho present, could negatively impact the team.