Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces gamble during title run-in after player speaks out

Partey's promotion to the starting XI for the 2-0 win over Luton Town was by no means an indicator of guaranteed starts over the coming weeks. Arteta fielded a weakened side on the whole with Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko among the starters.

Of late, Jorginho has been the chosen candidate to complete the Gunners' midfield three. But unlike Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, the Italian is not immovable, and Partey is now fit and ready to step in if required.

The 30-year-old was a strong and reliable performer in his first three seasons at Arsenal after completing a £45million move from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

Thomas Partey started his first game since October against Luton Town on Wednesday (Image: Getty)

But groin and hamstring issues have severely limited his minutes this season, with only eight appearances in the Premier League to date. Arteta taking a gamble and promoting Partey back to a starting spot could pave the way for a contract renewal this summer.

Partey is approaching the final 12 months of his deal and he was widely expected to pursue a new challenge elsewhere. However, he made it clear earlier this week that staying in north London would be his number-one choice.

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"My head is always here," said the midfielder. "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 until 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."

Mikel Arteta applauds Arsenal after rotation pays off against Luton Town

It remains to be seen whether Arteta would be willing to run the risk of breaking up the strong bond of Jorginho, Rice and Odegaard in the hope of Partey taking Arsenal's midfield to another level.

The decision could prove crucial in a tight Premier League title race which sees the Gunners, Manchester City and Liverpool separated by fine margins with eight games of the season left to play.