November 29th 2024.
Alan Smith believes that Arsenal should start preparing for the potential departure of their in-form midfielder, Thomas Partey. As we all know, Partey's time with the Gunners has been plagued by injuries, but this season, he seems to have overcome those issues. Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has heavily relied on the former Atletico Madrid star and has even had to use him as a makeshift right-back on a few occasions. Partey's consistency and exceptional performance in Tuesday's 5-1 win against Sporting Lisbon have earned him high praise from his manager, who spoke to the media on Friday ahead of their game against West Ham this weekend.
When asked about Partey's contract situation, Arteta said that they will discuss it at the right time. He also added that Partey's physical abilities and consistent performance are a testament to his skills and dedication. However, Partey's contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and he will be free to talk to other clubs in January. Alan Smith believes that Arsenal has already identified the perfect replacement for Partey in Tijjani Reijnders, who has been in excellent form for AC Milan this season. Smith also pointed out that Partey's athleticism and ability to cover the pitch may not be what it used to be, and Arsenal might need some fresh legs in midfield.
On the topic of young talents, Smith also spoke about the impressive progress made by teenager Ethan Nwaneri, who scored his first-ever Premier League goal in last weekend's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Smith believes that Arteta knows best when it comes to handling Nwaneri, but it's clear that the young player is ready to be unleashed. Smith also mentioned that Nwaneri's versatility makes him a valuable asset for Arsenal, as he can play in multiple positions, including the right-hand side, where there hasn't been a proper replacement for the talented Bukayo Saka yet.
Smith also added that with players like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli not in their best form, it's the perfect opportunity for Arteta to give Nwaneri more starting opportunities in the coming weeks. With Arsenal having spent a considerable amount of money, it's crucial for them to keep improving their squad, and Nwaneri's progress and potential make him an exciting prospect for the Gunners.
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