Mikel Arteta’s men are out of the Premier League title race, but they hold a genuine chance of winning the Champions League, and winning the competition could completely change the complexity of what would otherwise be a trophyless campaign.
Whether Champions League success is secured or not, Arsenal face an intriguing summer, needing to recruit efficiently, with a striker required and depth needed in a number of different positions. New sporting chief Andrea Berta and Arteta face a potentially pivotal summer as a result.
One way to keep depth at centre-midfield and right-back at the same position would be to renew the contract of 31-year-old Thomas Partey who is out of contract despite proving himself more than useful both this season and over previous years.
And according to former Arsenal loan man Julio Baptista, the Gunners would be wise to renew the midfielder’s deal. He told footitalia.com: “I think for Arsenal, Thomas Partey has been an incredible player. In Partey, Arteta has found a player that understands what he wants. If I’m Arteta, I’d renew his contract but also bring in another player, and put him under a bit of pressure, make him sweat. Put a player behind him in the pecking order, who can start to understand how he plays, and what he does for the team and ease him into the action.
“I know he’s older, but I believe that his age shouldn’t be a decisive factor in whether or not Arsenal give him a new deal. Players are much fitter these days. Look at what Mo Salah is doing – you can still be a top, top player in great physical condition when you’re in your 30s. For me, age is not a big problem. The big problem is always if the player still has the mentally to be the best at that age. The mind is the most important factor, and I think with Partey, he could still produce the good for Arsenal for a few more years.”
Williams chase
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Athletic Club and Spain superstar Nico Williams ahead of the summer. Speaking about those links, Baptista added: “I believe so, I think that Nico Williams would be a fantastic addition to the Premier League and the Arsenal squad.
“He has had some incredible years here in Athletic Bilbao. Maybe a new step is what he needs in his career. Maybe he needs to find a club that gives him the opportunity to show that he has more to offer as a player and Arsenal could be the perfect environment for him to do that. Arsenal is a good opportunity because Arsenal is a friendly club. Players come to Arsenal, and they’re always given the chance to show what they can do. Maybe there’s a good opportunity for him at the Emirates
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