{"id":199865,"date":"2025-06-20T12:38:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T12:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/199865\/"},"modified":"2025-06-20T12:38:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T12:38:11","slug":"pundit-says-he-simply-cant-understand-what-arsenal-are-about-to-do-with-one-of-their-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/199865\/","title":{"rendered":"Pundit says he simply can’t understand what Arsenal are about to do with one of their players"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol has criticised Arsenal over a decision they appear set to make.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Gunners finished second for the third consecutive season, ending yet another campaign without a trophy.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons they lost the title to Liverpool<\/a> was them falling short in attack, with several attackers sidelined through injury at the same time.<\/p>\n

However, their defence remained solid, thanks in part to Thomas Partey<\/a>, who is now expected to leave the club this summer after contract talks reportedly broke down.<\/p>\n

\"ArsenalPhoto by David Price\/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesSteve Nicol on Arsenal allowing Thomas Partey to leave<\/p>\n

Fabrizio Romano shared an update on X, stating that Partey is likely to leave in the coming days, with negotiations between the club and the player not advancing.<\/p>\n

Partey\u2019s contract ends at the end of this month, meaning that he will be leaving the club on a free transfer.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udea8\ud83d\udd34\u26aa\ufe0f Negotiations between Arsenal and Thomas Partey over new deal are not advancing.<\/p>\n

No agreement so far and now concrete chances to part ways in the upcoming days.<\/p>\n

Thomas would be available as free agent. pic.twitter.com\/4AfD8rUjgi<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

Nicol expressed his disbelief at Arsenal\u2019s<\/a> decision, indicating that the club are making a massive mistake by allowing Partey to leave, a decision that will only have an impact on Declan Rice<\/a> as well as make the club weaker going into next season. <\/p>\n

Speaking on ESPN, he said: <\/p>\n

\u201cI think what would it mean for Declan Rice? I mean, it seemed to me that Declan Rice is probably going to be the one that suffers most out of this because he\u2019s going to have to drop deep.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Declan Rice last year, in my opinion, pushed himself from being a defensive midfielder who won the ball, got it back, and gave it to others to a guy who was actually carrying the ball forward, getting in the opposition penalty box, and creating problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I think I think he\u2019s going to be affected more than anybody else. And I don\u2019t understand it. You know, Thomas Partey last year was absolutely one of the defensive rocks that that team has been built on over the years. So for them to lose him, that means a team that, in my opinion, needed one spot up front.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut all your money into that position. That\u2019s the position, and that\u2019s the spot that can maybe win you the Premier League to now; they\u2019re going to have to use some of that money to replace Partey. If they don\u2019t resign him. So, every which way you look, it weakens Arsenal. It weakens them from Declan Rice\u2019s point of view. It weakens them from a financial point of view. It weakens them being able to go and spend a lot of money on a centre forward, and ultimately it weakens them defensively.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Thomas Partey improved Declan Rice\u2019s game last season<\/p>\n

Partey enjoyed a surprisingly injury-free season, establishing himself as a regular in the starting XI.<\/p>\n

His presence allowed Rice greater freedom to push forward and become an attacking threat from midfield, something reflected in his improved output. <\/p>\n

When Rice and Partey have played together, the former has scored 10 goals and assisted 12, showcasing the effectiveness of their partnership.<\/p>\n

With Partey now expected to leave, the hunt for a replacement has begun, with several players linked with a move. <\/p>\n

According to reports, Arsenal have identified Sevilla\u2019s Lucien Agoume<\/a> as a potential target. <\/p>\n

Arsenal are also on the verge of signing Martin Zubimendi<\/a>, a signing which would no doubt bolster the midfield. <\/p>\n

It has also been reported that Mikel Arteta could play Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield<\/a> if Partey leaves, a role he is well acquainted with.<\/p>\n