Arteta believes Partey still has the magic to turn Arsenal around
Mikel Arteta is confident Arsenal’s “main signing” Thomas Partey will help the club turn things around in the second half of the season.
The Gunners signed Partey on the last day of the summer transfer window, but the talented midfielder has been hampered with injuries this campaign.
Arsenal have struggled without the Ghanaian, and the Gunners are floundering down in 11th despite winning their last three league matches on the bounce.
Arteta is expected to dip his toe in the transfer market this January, but the Spaniard has suggested he won’t need to because Partey’s return will be like a new signing.
“We are in January and I think he’s played two and a half games. That’s all and he was our main signing. We’ve been missing him,” Arteta said after Arsenal’s win over West Brom.
“He brings something different to the team, he’s a player with enormous talent. But as well as someone that can transform the team the way we want.
read also:Partey, Xhaka slammed for role in Arsenal’s defeat to Tottenham
“It’s great if we can have him, keep him healthy and I think he will contribute in a really positive way. He’s done the most part training the last few days.
“He’s feeling good and we will assess him. He needs another two or three good sessions to see if he’s 100 percent OK to play. And if that’s the case, great news for us.”
Arsenal have been linked with Real Madrid midfielder Isco, with the Gunners lacking a creative player in the middle of the park.
Arteta has been experimenting in recent weeks and appears to have landed on Emile Smith Rowe as the right man to fill the void for Arsenal, at least for now.
The youngster even received praise from the master of the number 10 position, Mesut Ozil, who is currently frozen out in north London.
After Arsenal’s 3-0 victory, the German tweeted: “Nice game my boys! Great spirit – three wins in a row. The team looks good with a No 10 like Emile Smith Rowe – the difference-maker.”
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