Thomas Partey addresses Arsenal ‘speculation’ in rare interview after midfielder makes first start since August in victory over Luton

Partey, whose contract expires at the end of the next season, has been grappling with limited playing time amidst an injury-ridden campaign. However, the Ghanaian midfielder dismissed swirling rumours and reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal after helping Mikel Arteta's men claim top spot in the league table with a comfortable victory over Luton on Wednesday.

Speaking after the match, Partey said: "My head is always here. This is where I choose to play, I'm really happy every time I'm on the field. I know a lot of speculation has been going on, but for me, I'm really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club. With my contract, I still have to the end of the season, I think. I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time.”

The Gunners' recent spree of contract extensions, including agreements with Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and several other key players, underscores the club's commitment to tying down its core talent. Partey's resurgence from injury could also potentially help him earn an extension at the Emirates, and he added on his return: “It’s good to be back. I feel really good, it's been a while. I've been trying to work a lot on my fitness and I’ve been through a lot of work. I’ve done all I can and I’m really happy to be back and I feel really good. I think I've improved a lot on my fitness, and I'm trying my best to keep on going at this level and keep giving my best.”

Manager Mikel Arteta has lauded Partey's potential partnership with Declan Rice, envisioning a formidable midfield duo going forward. While this pairing is yet to materialise in a Premier League fixture, the statement in itself is an indication of the Spaniard's unwavering faith in Partey's abilities.

Partey added on that prospect: “I think everybody is working hard, we have a lot of great players Jorgi’s (Jorginho) there, Dec is there and I think Mo (Elneny) as well and we have a lot of players in that position and I think it's good to have everybody ready this time of the season and from the beginning when I tried everything I can to be available. But I have to keep on working and at the end, they really did well."

As Arsenal navigate through the latter stages of the season, Partey's resurgence offers a glimmer of hope for success on multiple fronts. With his renewed commitment and determination to excel, the Gunners' midfielder will aim to play a pivotal role in the club's pursuit of silverware, or at least provide them with some crucial strength in depth. He will hope to keep his starting berth when Arsenal face Brighton on Saturday in their next Premier League encounter.