Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will not leave the Emirates this summer unless a “huge bid” is made for the Ghanaian international, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It had been reported that the 30-year-old could be sold by the Gunners but Romano says that manager Mikel Arteta is now “happy” to keep him:

Arsenal are not active in Romeo Lavia race now as Thomas Partey has good chances to stay. 🔴⚪️ #AFC

Saudi clubs approached Gunners days ago, Juventus called in June but never close to €40/45m package requested by Arsenal.

Huge bid or Thomas stays. Arteta, happy with him. pic.twitter.com/T5jRsuulIl

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2023

Arteta expressed his intention to keep Partey on the club’s pre-season tour so Romano’s comments are not entirely surprising.

Even so, you still can’t completely rule out the chances of a massive offer from Saudi Arabia arriving before the end of August so it’s probably wise to keep an eye on this one.

Arsenal’s move Lavia looks to be dead in the water

It was always felt that the Gunners’ pursuit of the Southampton midfielder was dependent on Partey’s future and that has been borne out.

With Liverpool having already tabled a bid for Lavia, and Chelsea in the mix to secure the teenager’s signature as well, it is very likely that Arteta’s side will miss out on signing the 19-year-old.

Arsenal have, of course, strengthened their midfield options a fair amount this summer. The additions of both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz should be adequate, considering that Jorginho, Mohamed Elneny, Fabio Vieira, Martin Odegaard and even Emile Smith Rowe can also take up positions in the midfield three. When you add in Partey as well, there is no reason to believe that the club will find themselves short of numbers in that area of the pitch next season.