The Ghanaian international’s injury issues have returned after a productive 2022–23 campaign in which he and Granit Xhaka forged a potent midfield tandem.
Despite having only featured five times this season, Partey’s dominant engine room performances were essential in helping Arsenal return to the Champions League after a six-year hiatus.
The 30-year-old has only made one substitute appearance against Manchester City in the top level since playing the entire 90 minutes in the Community Shield and starting all three of Arsenal’s Premier League games in 2023–24 as a right-back.
Partey made his 15-minute cameo appearance following several weeks in the hospital due to a groin ailment. Prior to last month’s Champions League victory over Sevilla, he returned to the infirmary with a new thigh problem.
Although there haven’t been many updates from the team, Partey is believed to have had an operation on the matter; the former Atletico Madrid player will likely be sidelined until 2024.
A few months after turning down interest from Saudi Arabia and Juventus during the summer, Partey is now being projected to conclude his mixed tenure in North London, with Declan Rice, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Mohamed Elneny, and Fabio Vieira offering substitute alternatives in midfield.
The bans of Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli were supposed to have piqued the attention of The Old Lady again, but a recent rumor said that Juve had moved on to other targets because of Partey’s injury problems.
But according to Foot Mercato, the Bianconeri are pressing to bring Partey to Turin in the middle of the season and have already communicated with the representative of the Ghanaian international.
Partey is only under contract in North London until 2025, thus Arsenal is not in a position to demand an outrageous amount for him; but, Juve’s own off-field issues may force them to settle for a loan arrangement during the winter.
The Gunners may want to finalize a deal for a replacement before letting Partey go, though, and they have reportedly rekindled their interest in Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. Partey himself is said to have been frustrated with his recent lack of action when fit and could seek an exit from the club in January. Arsenal are also understood to be willing to cash in.
Although a transfer for England international Kalvin Phillips, a Manchester City outcast, has also been discussed, Partey is believed to be Juventus’ top January target.
On November 25, Arsenal will play their first match following the international break against Brentford. Mikel Arteta’s team might move up to the top of the standings if champions Manchester City and second-placed Liverpool draw earlier in the day.