Arsenal: 3 problems that signing Thomas Partey will bring

2. Downer for Matteo Guendouzi

Matteo Guendouzi is yet to make an impression on Mikel Arteta, since it seems the boss prefers a midfield pairing of Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira. However, given Guendouzi’s work ethic and leadership abilities, I just know that Arteta will like what he sees.

However, signing Thomas Partey only hinders the progress of Guendouzi, since he will have significantly less game time. While Arteta isn’t one to rest on his laurels, this is something he needs to consider. Guendouzi is 21 years of age and only getting better, after all.

The time between now and the end of the season is important for Guendouzi to make even more of an impression to his boss. He should consider it an audition; if Guendouzi is good enough in his own right and inspires the best out of other players, then there really is no need to sign Partey. More on that later.

Guendouzi’s game time is growing ever-more significant, especially when you consider that the Euros have been rescheduled to be played in the summer of 2021. Of course, the 21-year-old will be dying to represent France at a major competition, and to do so, he needs to be getting consistent game time and improving each week to get that international callup.