Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal star to stick to his word as Bukayo Saka injury update provided

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called on Thomas Partey to keep his word after the Ghanaian midfielder admitted that he wanted to stay at the club for next season. The head coach also provided an injury update on key man Bukayo Saka for Saturday's trip to Brighton, after the winger missed Wednesday's 2-0 win over Luton.

After seeing off Rob Edwards' side in midweek, Partey admitted that even with an uncertain future and just over a year on his contract, he wants to stay in north London beyond the summer.

The 30-year-old has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and Italy, but was adamant that he plans to fight for a place in the team after spending the majority of the season injured.

And Arteta called on Partey to keep to his word, insisting "he'd better" want to stay and compete for trophies at Arsenal. "He’d better have his head here because we are playing for big things," Arteta said. "He’s a top player and important for us. He’s our player, he’s got one more year’s contract and I’m really happy with him."

Speaking after Arsenal's win over Luton, in which Saka did not make the squad entirely after limping off the draw at Manchester City, Partey discussed his plans to stay at the club despite links suggesting that he could depart.

"My head is always here," he said. "This is where I choose to play. I'm really happy every time I'm on the field. I know a lot of speculation has been going on, but for me, I'm really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club. With my contract, I still have until the end of the season, I think. I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time."