Arsenal will reward Thomas Partey with a new squad number ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.

The Ghana international joined the Gunners from Ateltico Madrid during a frantic summer deadline day last summer when Mikel Arteta and Edu sanctioned the decision to trigger his £45million release clause.

Partey was able to show only glimpses of his best form, however, with a series of muscular injuries undermining his progress during a difficult first season at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta still regards the 28-year-old as a key component of his side and he is set to assume greater responsibility in light of Granit Xhaka’s impending departure to Roma.

That greater seniority is set to be reflected by the fact he will, according to Citisports, wear the No.5 shirt next term. Partey wanted that number upon signing for the club, but it was already taken by Sokratis Papastathopoulos who joined Olympiakos in January.

 

Asked how he rated his first season with the Gunners, Partey told Ghana’s TV3: ‘Well I think everybody has seen it, there’s been ups and downs.

‘We’ve had good times and bad times, but this is my first season and I think I had to adapt to how they play, get used to my teammates.

‘I think now I’m getting used to them and I know with hard work everything will be okay for the next season.

‘Of course, it’s not easy. The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and if you want to be there you have to be able to do everything well. So I like this challenge and I’m ready to do everything.’

Asked if he feels he has overcome his injury problems, Partey continued: ‘Yes. When you see the last few games I was able to play more than 70 minutes, some matches 90 minutes. So I think I’m feeling good.’