Mikel Arteta has revealed that he would prefer to retain the services of midfielder Thomas Partey for 2023-24.
The Gunners have enjoyed a productive period in the transfer market of late, signing each of Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for a combined total of in excess of £200m.
Reports have indicated that Arteta would like to add further players to his squad, yet the Spaniard would also need to oversee a number of departures for the club to retain a positive position with FFP.
Some exits look more of an inevitability than others with the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Folarin Balogun leaving the Emirates Stadium expected to help free up space on the wage bill and generate funds.
However, Partey, an important player during 2022-23 as Arsenal challenged for the Premier League title, has also been heavily linked with an exit from the North Londoners.
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The Ghana international has contributed with five goals and four assists from 99 appearances in all competitions, but the signing of Rice will put his position in the team under threat.
Partey is allegedly not short of admirers with Juventus and clubs in Saudi Arabia having been credited with an interest in the former Atletico Madrid star.
Nevertheless, speaking to reporters during the club's pre-season tour of the United States, Arteta has insisted that the 30-year-old remains a key part of his squad.
As quoted by Sky Sports News, Arteta said: "Without a question of a doubt, Thomas Partey is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be in the team.
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"Every time I spoke to him and every time I have a conversation with him, his will is to stay with us. For me, there's nothing there at all."
Even with Granit Xhaka joining Bayer Leverkusen, Arteta is well stocked for options in the engine room, with Jorginho, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga also in the squad.
The latter may soon be sold or loaned elsewhere, but each of Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira and Havertz are also candidates to feature in Arteta's midfield three.
Arsenal have been linked with other midfielders since the end of last season, including Southampton's Romeo Lavia who has admirers at a number of Premier League clubs.
Darren Plant
