Thomas Partey's future at Arsenal seems to be uncertain, according to a number of recent reports.
Writing on Twitter on Sunday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said: "Understand there’s concrete chance for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal this summer. Clubs are interested and there are discussions about his exit."
The Gunners want to recruit West Ham United captain Declan Rice as an option in midfield, football.london understands and Romano has claimed that Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia could also be targeted if Partey does leave the Emirates Stadium. "Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia," the Italian added.
"Relationship is excellent with his camp — talks already took place. Timing will be crucial as Chelsea remain interested.
"Man United appreciate Lavia but still not advancing. (Manchester) City buy back clause only valid 2024."
On the surface level, it may seem unusual that Arsenal could allow Partey to leave considering the Ghana international's importance to their plans in recent years. But if Manchester United legend Roy Keane is to be believed, the 30-year-old's leadership skills leave a lot to be desired.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Gundogan blow, Partey decision, Balogun stance, Rice confidence
"Well he’s having a very good season," Keane told ITV Sport back in November 2022. "He’s settled down, he had a lot of injury problems when he first went to Arsenal.
"He’s got a big role here because there are some inexperienced players around him. I’m still not convinced he’s got those leadership skills.
"But a very good player and he’ll have a big part to play today because there’s a big responsibility, particularly in the middle of the park, of course a huge position on the pitch. He’s had a good season, he should be confident, but it’s a big challenge for him in the middle of the park to help the players around him."
Keane's former United teammate Gary Neville has also questioned Partey, claiming that the ex-Atletico Madrid star was not up to standards during the latter part of the 2022/23 campaign. "He’s been in a shadow of himself in the last few weeks, Partey,” Neville told Sky Sports last month.
"He has been nowhere near it. A large part of the season, he has been fantastic.
“His form and composure have deserted him at the most vital time.”
READ NEXT:
Roberto Firmino and Paulo Dybala prove Arsenal are taking £60m Kai Havertz transfer gamble
Arsenal offer Kai Havertz career revival to leave Chelsea licking their transfer wounds again
