Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey believes the intense competition for places in the team’s midfield will be pivotal in their quest for the Premier League title this season.

After a challenging year marred by injuries, the Ghana international is fully fit and eager to fight for a starting position.

He will be competing alongside new signing Declan Rice, Jorginho, and Martin Ødegaard for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s lineup.

Partey acknowledged the high calibre of his midfield counterparts and the positive impact of healthy competition.

“We have a lot of players in that position,” Partey said. “Jorgi is playing well, I am playing well. Dec is there, Martin (Ødegaard) too. We also have other players who can come in and make a difference. We have to compete against each other and at the end of the day it is the Mister (Arteta) who decides. With this kind of competition, we can get to the level that we want to be at.”

Since joining Arsenal in 2020, Partey has been a key figure in the squad, and his current contract is set to expire in 2025.

His return to full fitness and the dynamic midfield competition are expected to boost Arsenal’s chances as they aim to build on last season’s strong performance and challenge for the Premier League title.