{"id":3679,"date":"2021-12-23T15:18:56","date_gmt":"2021-12-23T20:18:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/2021\/12\/23\/arsenals-pre-afcon-thomas-partey-efforts-revealed-before-norwich\/"},"modified":"2021-12-23T15:18:56","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T20:18:56","slug":"arsenals-pre-afcon-thomas-partey-efforts-revealed-before-norwich","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/2021\/12\/23\/arsenals-pre-afcon-thomas-partey-efforts-revealed-before-norwich\/","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal\u2019s pre-AFCON Thomas Partey efforts revealed before Norwich"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a0<\/p>\n

An insight into the efforts of Arsenal to ensure that star midfielder Thomas Partey\u2019s African Cup of Nations-based absence is as short-lived as possible has been provided on Thursday.<\/p>\n

Midfield woes<\/h2>\n

The subject of Mikel Arteta\u2019s ranks in the middle of the park has of course emerged as a major talking point over recent weeks.<\/p>\n

This comes owing to the impending departures of not one, but two members of the Gunners\u2019 midfield, for the fast-approaching 2022 African Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n

Mohamed Elneny and the aforementioned Partey are primed to link up with Egypt and Ghana respectively next week, ahead of a predicted deep run into the tournament for both nations.<\/p>\n

Arsenal, in turn, will be left with just Granit Xhaka, the inexperienced Sambi Lokonga and out-of-favour Ainsley Maitland-Niles as recognised senior options in the engine room, ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures across the month of January.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\n\"Arsenal\u2019s<\/p>\n

Newcastle United\u2019s English midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (L) vies with Arsenal\u2019s Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 27, 2021 (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Partey boost?<\/h2>\n

As alluded to above, though, if the latest word stemming from Mikel Arteta\u2019s camp is anything to go by, then those in a position of power at the Emirates appear ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that the impending absence of at least one of their midfield stars is as little felt as possible.<\/p>\n

The player in question? Thomas Partey.<\/p>\n

As revealed by the reliable James Benge of CBS Sports, officials on the red half of north London are currently locked in negotiations with their counterparts at the Ghanaian Football Federation.<\/p>\n

This comes amid efforts to prolong Partey\u2019s stay with the club through to the 28th of December, a development which would see the former Atletico Madrid man available to face not only Norwich City on Boxing Day, but also Wolves 48 hours later.<\/p>\n

It now remains to be seen what comes of the discussions between the two parties.<\/p>\n

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Arsenal are in talks with Ghanaian federation as to whether Partey could join up later, allowing him to be available for the game against Wolves on December 28. https:\/\/t.co\/YzAcGMglEH<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 James Benge (@jamesbenge) December 23, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n