Arsenal wait on Thomas Partey boost as Atletico Madrid transfer replacement plays key role
Arsenal will find out tonight if they will get a boost in Thomas Partey’s presence in their future fixtures with African Cup of Nations qualifying matches taking place
Throughout their history, Arsenal has had considerable success with African recruitment. Lauren, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and now Thomas Partey have all contributed to the club’s success, with the latter playing an important role in Mikel Arteta’s return to the Champions League.
The disadvantage is that the African Cup of Nations event, which is held every other year, is now held in January and February due to a postponement, which means that clubs may be without crucial players for extended periods of time. The Gunners lost Partey because to Ghana’s participation in the tournament in 2022, although they were eliminated early and the midfielder missed only one match.
The similar issue is expected to reoccur for the Gunners in 2024. During this international break, the group stage of qualifying concludes, with Ghana facing a make-or-break clash with the Central African Republic to secure their spot.
They presently lead Group E with two victories and three draws after five matches. Partey, on the other hand, is out with an injury and is likely to be out for at least six weeks.
Ghana must win its final game against CAR in order to qualify for the competition next year. Angola will play Madagascar, the group’s worst team, knowing that a win will see them qualify.
If CAR defeats Ghana and Angola defeats Madagascar, Ghana will finish third in the group and fail to qualify. The game on Thursday evening had an Arsenal narrative to it. Arsenal signed Partey from Atletico Madrid in 2020 by exercising his release clause. Atletico were thus left without a vital player at the last minute, but La Liga rules permitted them to sign Geoffrey Kondogbia from Valencia.
Kondogbia will start for Cameroon against Ghana tonight, while Partey is recovering from a groin injury sustained during Arsenal training. may the now-Marseille midfielder’s contribution force his predecessor out of what may be his final AFCON?
Partey is now 30 years old and has been linked to a move out of north London. Due to ongoing injury concerns and the signing of Declan Rice, Arsenal may want to cash in during a future window.
