‘No chance’ - Fabrizio Romano shuts down surprise Arsenal transfer exit rumour

Fabrizio Romano has shut down a rumour involving Arsenal star Thomas Partey.

The Gunners were tipped to cash in on Partey during the summer window, but the Ghanaian stayed put, going on to form an important part of Mikel Arteta’s plans this season. Partey has covered for injuries at full-back, while he will also form an important part of Arsenal’s depth in the holding midfield roles, even if Declan Rice is going to be the starter.

Despite all that, Football Transfers have claimed that Mikel Arteta has told Partey he will sell him during the January transfer window if the right offer comes in.

That rumour will have come as a surprise to Arsenal fans, given Partey’s involvement early in the season, but transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has moved to shut down the talk of an exit for the midfielder.

“The big news in Italy at the moment is about Paul Pogba – he has been officially suspended. Juventus will now decide how to act on this situation because it’s crucial for them to understand what really happened after this big decision from the Italian anti-doping tribunal,” said Romano to Caughtoffside.

“If this is confirmed, it will be important to see what happens in terms of Pogba’s contract. Some in Italy are already reporting on a potential contract termination, but let’s see what happens. For sure, it’s been a very unlucky second spell for Pogba at Juventus, with many injuries and almost never playing and now this situation with the anti-doping tribunal.

“The Pogba situation means we’re again seeing rumours about Thomas Partey and Juventus, but there was no chance this summer. He was on Juventus’ list but it was impossible for them to pay €45/50m. Arsenal also didn’t want to sell him after considering this possibility just at the beginning of the window.

“It’s very quiet now, despite these new links, and Thomas is focused on Arsenal.”