'Better than ever': Mikel Arteta says £45m Arsenal player has never trained as hard as he's doing now

Arsenal are currently in great form and will be looking to remain unbeaten going into the October international break.

The Gunners have also had to do so without Martin Odegaard, who is on the sidelines after getting injured for Norway a month ago.

Arsenal have successfully navigated tricky games against the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain without Odegaard.

The Gunners have also been without Mikel Merino up until this week, while Declan Rice was suspended for the North London derby.

Thomas Partey needed to step up during this tricky run and he has done just that, helping Arsenal remain unbeaten and keeping them firmly in the title picture.

Mikel Arteta has now spoken about Partey’s form and shared what the Ghana international is now doing that has gone down very well at London Colney.

Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey is working harder than ever

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Southampton, Arteta praised Partey for his recent strong form.

The Gunners boss claimed that the £45million man is in the best physical condition he has seen since he joined the club.

“He’s a massive player for us and he’s shown that week in, week out,” said Arteta, as per the Arsenal website.

“He’s started the season really well, really fit. The way he came back post-holiday was probably in the best condition that he’s been, which was really helpful as well. He’s doing everything he can as well to be in the best physical condition.

“When you change certain habits and you want more consistency, things don’t happen overnight. If in two or three weeks it doesn’t happen and you throw in the towel, you’re going to waste the next two or three years of your career.

“I think his work ethic has been better than ever, defensively he’s been really solid and with the ball he had moments. [Leicester and PSG] probably were his most complete performances because he gave us everything that we want from him, and he can deliver that.”

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What does the future hold for Partey?

Partey’s contract expires at the end of the season, which has led to speculation over his future in recent months.

TBR Football recently reported that Arsenal are ready to open talks with Partey and his camp over a new contract.

Admittedly, this may not go down too well with the Gunners fanbase, considering Partey’s age and injury record.

With Mikel Merino now back and the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly waiting in the wings, it remains to be seen whether Partey could become surplus to requirements.