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3 ways the return of Thomas Partey can boost Arsenal
- Thomas Partey is edging closer to an Arsenal return
- He has not played any football since October
- The Ghanaian missed out on AFCON selection
By Kenneth Daly
2. Getting more out of Gabriel Martinelli
The 2022/23 top scorer desperately needs a new LCM partner.
No Arsenal player has felt the departure of Granit Xhaka more than Gabriel Martinelli, with the young Brazilian following up his 15-goal campaign last year with several below-par displays this term and just four strikes in 23 matches.
Yet, the worrying trend is perhaps attributable to a misused Kai Havertz. While Martinelli sparked next to a passer profile before (Xhaka), our new arrival bears different strengths (duelling/transitional threat) and generally fails to look for any probing passes - a situation that has stymied our left-wing influence.
A returning Partey could ameliorate this as, by moving back to the base, he might allow Rice to shift into the left #8 slot and free up Havertz for more frontline responsibilities. As a result, Martinelli will gain a partner capable of threading the ball into final-third spaces and our divisive German international can flourish in his best position: leading the attack.
New midfield dynamics can unlock Martinelli, and it all hinges on Partey’s unreliable fitness.
Continued on the next slide...