Should Arsenal consider selling Thomas Partey in January?

Recent images have revealed that Thomas Partey is back in training following a muscle injury that kept him out for nearly two months. 

Arsenal signed Partey in the 2020 summer transfer window as a deadline day deal. Since then, he has proved that he is a key player in the squad and was among the crucial roots around whom Arteta developed the squad around.

Partey’s incredible passing range, his dribbling, technical security and defensive awareness are what made him such a key player for Mikel Arteta. However, his injury record has proved to be a worrying aspect for the Gunners.

Should Arsenal consider selling Thomas Partey in January?

With the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham, Arteta managed to solve the issue. However, his recurring absences due to injury mean there is no stable depth in the defensive midfielder position.

Rice’s arrival and Arsenal’s strong interest in Douglas Luiz has sparked rumours of Thomas Partey's potential departure from the north London club. While these are merely rumours, the Ghana international's unavailability may be a huge concern.

Arsenal are also currently struggling in regards to Financial Fair Play (FFP). The club supposedly want to sign a new striker, midfielder and defender in 2024, but FFP restricts them from doing so. They will have to sell some players in order to be able to make the signings they desire.

While the Ghanaian has the quality to continue at Arsenal, his availability woes may come off not only as a depth issue but also as a burden on the wage bill. Partey’s injury record so far has made him miss 45 games for Arsenal and his national team since 2020. That's 284 days missed through injury.

There is also the age factor that comes into play. Partey is now 30, and considering his already poor injury record, it may worsen the situation as age inevitably weakens a player. Some reports suggested Arteta was ready to let go of Partey back in August amid interest from Turkish side Galatasaray. However, nothing happened as these remained merely rumours

The potential sale of the player by the north London club wouldn't come as a shock. Nevertheless, they must secure a replacement before any such move. The squad lacks ample depth to support Declan Rice, and should Partey depart without a suitable backup in place, it could jeopardise the promising season for the Gunners.