Hughton willing to still call Partey even if he moves to Saudi Arabia but…

Chris Hughton has revealed that Thomas Partey will still receive Black Stars call-ups if he moves to Saudi Arabia and plays regularly.

The midfielder, who has two years left on his Arsenal contract, had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the early parts of the summer transfer window.

African players such as Édouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez and Kalidou Koulibaly have all made the jump this summer to Saudi Arabian clubs.

Hughton admits Partey will still have a place in the national team once he plays consistently.

“Firstly, it’s about playing. Players that are going to be playing regularly so they keep up their levels of fitness. And of course, it’s [also] about the league that they are playing.”

“If you look at our players with the Black Stars, they would be scattered throughout Europe. Some play in the best leagues, some play in, maybe, not the same level. But it’s about playing regularly,” he added.

Despite all the links, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder is expected to stay at Arsenal for the season with head coach Mikel Arteta labelling him as an “important member” of the team.