Arsenal midfielder will ‘consider’ the exit door in January if he doesn’t return to starting XI

Arsenal have kicked off the season in fine form with four wins and one draw from their opening five Premier League games.

Mikel Arteta has invested heavily this summer to improve both the starting line-up and the all round squad and the likes of David Raya and last summer’s signing Fabio Vieira both epitomised this strength in depth as they were moved into the starting lineup for the 1-0 win against Everton.

Arteta has so far managed to successfully rotate his team in a bid to keep everyone fresh for his side’s opening Champions League game against PSV and the Gunners currently look in good shape to fight for success on all fronts. But these plans could be hit with a curve ball ahead of the January transfer window, and one player in particular could rock the boat in the coming weeks, according to reports.

Arsenal are currently without Ghanaian international Thomas Partey, who is absent from the matchday squad with a groin injury that he sustained during his side’s 2-2 draw with Fulham.

Partey was an ever-present for Arsenal for the vast majority of last season, but he was surprisingly moved into the right back role for the opening three matches of the season against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

His current injury is expected to rule him out until late October, but Partey is expecting to be immediately reinstated into the midfield.

Football Insider claims that Partey will consider his options if he is not made a starter after his return from injury.

FourFourTwo claims the player is likely to be a transfer target for Juventus. The Italian giants were reportedly interested in the player in the summer, but their need for a midfielder has increased after reports of a failed drugs test for Paul Pogba. Pogba is expected to appeal the decision, but if he is found guilty he risks a ban of between two and four years.