Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has once again stressed the key role Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey plays in his team, praising his consistent contributions as the Gunners prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash with Southampton.

During a pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta said, “He’s a key player for us, he’s a massive player, and we can see that week in, week out.” He also highlighted Partey’s excellent physical condition this season, crediting the player’s hard work during the summer break.

“The way he came back post-holidays was probably the best condition that he’s been in. Now it’s about managing him,” Arteta explained, emphasizing the need to maintain Partey’s fitness through the season’s challenges.

As Arsenal get ready to face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium, Partey is expected to play a crucial role in midfield. After the match, he will travel to Ghana to captain the Black Stars in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Sudan on October 10 and 15, as the team pushes to secure qualification for the tournament in Morocco.