Premier League: The big questions on Mohamed Salah, Thomas Partey and Pape Sarr

When Arsenal spent £45m ($57.8m) on Thomas Partey in October 2020 there were high hopes he would bring power, guile and stability to their midfield.

But despite making 95 Premier League appearances across four seasons, the Ghanaian’s contribution has been stop-start because of a succession of injuries.

“I’m not sure Partey is the first name on the team sheet anymore,” James Cook from the Same Old Arsenal podcast told BBC Sport Africa.

“He’s looking a little bit slower, not as fit as he has done in the past. And that’s a real worry.”

But does manager Mikel Arteta disagree?

Last season Arteta started Partey, 31, in the final five fixtures of their ultimately unsuccessful title challenge. The Gunners won all five games.

“I think Arteta was [wanting] to beef up the midfield a bit more,” said Cook, who believes the club need to strengthen in that area.

“You just cannot depend on Partey to stay fit throughout the entirety of the season.”

With one year left on his contract, if he can help Arsenal win a first title in 21 years then it will be a fine way to say goodbye.