Arsenal Football Club manager Mikel Arteta has doubled down on his stance to have strong depth in his squad by having multiple top players battle for positions.
He said this in an interview after Arsenal completed a loan deal for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya; the deal includes a 27 million pounds option to buy.
The purchase is to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale and in explaining the importance of having quality options in all areas, the Arsenal boss voiced the plethora of midfield options including Ghana’s Thomas Partey, he can pick from.
“We have two great left-wingers, two great strikers and two great holding midfielders. We have Jorginho, we have Thomas [Partey] and we have Declan [Rice]. It’s not a problem.”
In the lead up to the 2023-2024 season, there were serious doubts over Partey’s chances of staying at Arsenal after the Gunners signed Declan Rice from West Ham for a record 105 million pounds.
However, Rice, fellow new signing Kai Havertz and Partey featured as starters in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest to open the season.
During Arsenal’s preseason tour in the US, Arteta stated Partey and Rice can play together in Arsenal’s midfield and was part of his plans. (Click highlighted text to read story)
🗣️ “We have two great left-wingers, two great strikers and two great holding midfielders. We have Jorginho, we have Thomas [Partey] and we have Declan [Rice]. It’s not a problem.”
Mikel Arteta says he needs squad depth in all positions. 🧤
— AFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) August 17, 2023