Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he wants Thomas Partey to stay at the club and believes the Ghana midfielder has no intention of leaving this summer.

The Ghana international recently joined up late with the rest of the first team squad for their pre-season tour in America.

Reports had suggested that Arsenal could be open to letting Partey leave for the right price this summer, with his form and fitness declining towards the back end of last season.

Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have been recruited in the midfield area for almost £180million, whilst Granit Xhaka departed the club to join Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent deal.

“Without a question of a doubt,” replied Arteta when asked whether he wants Partey to stay this season.

“Thomas is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be part of the team.

Rice’s arrival at Emirates Stadium prompted questions over whether he was a direct replacement for Partey, but Arteta insists the duo can play together this season.

“Yeah. They can play together. That was in my plans. If you want to improve the squad you need players that can improve the squad and players that can play together.

“Every time I spoke to him [Partey] his will is to stay with us. For me there’s nothing there [in the exit rumours] at all.”

Arteta’s side beat the MLS All-Stars 5-0 on Wednesday night and face another a friendly match against Manchester United on Saturday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.