Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta still needs to part ways with one Arsenal player despite his stellar performance against Chelsea.
Arsenal were incredibly impressive at the Emirates on Tuesday, Mikel Arteta watched his side play with so much tempo and fluidity.
Kai Havertz once again looked phenomenal as a false nine, a position he must retain for the final four games of the season.
Yes, it’s difficult to leave a player of Gabriel Jesus’ stature and ability on the bench, but it’s best for the club right now.
And that wasn’t the only lesson Arsenal learned against Chelsea last night.
Having finally returned to some kind of match sharpness, Thomas Partey was fantastic in the middle.
The midfielder unlocks all of the players around him, and although his inclusion means Arsenal are a little more frail defensively, they gain so much from his progressive passing.
And whilst that performance demonstrates why Arsenal should start Partey in all of their remaining four games, it shouldn’t change their position this summer.
Arsenal still need to sell Thomas Partey this summer regardless of his Chelsea display
It’s been reported that Arsenal have been trying to offload Thomas Partey for a long time without success.
The £45m-midfielder was previously key to plans, and rightfully so given the ‘unbelievable’ levels he can reach on a football pitch.
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However, the 30-year-old has been injured far too often during his Arsenal career, there’s no debating that.
And whilst Partey was superb against Chelsea last night, it shouldn’t change Arteta or Arsenal’s position this summer.
In all honesty the midfielder Arsenal replace Partey with might not be as good, they might struggle to play the level of passes he does.
But the consistency and availability a new face could bring could be worth so much more to the club.
A player like Martin Zubimendi or Bruno Guimaraes could thrive across a 38-game league season, rather than only playing a bit-part role here and there.
Partey’s injuries must be frustrating for him too, but they are simply hindering Arsenal’s plans in the middle.
And whilst both Partey and Jorginho have enjoyed excellent moments at the Emirates this campaign, they’re not the long-term solution.
And ahead of a summer in which Arsenal have a bit of financial freedom, now is the perfect time to replace Partey, regardless of what happens in these next few weeks.
All that being said, Arsenal may already have the perfect summer signing right under their noses.
