Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice believes Arsenal would need Thomas Partey to come to the party if they are to make the UEFA Champions League final. The Gunners are chasing their first final in the competition since 2006 when they lost to Barcelona. However, they go into the fixture against Paris Saint-Germain trailing by a goal courtesy Ousmane Dembele’s strike at the Emirates. Partey returns from suspension after missing the first-leg of the semifinal tie and Rice believes the Ghanaian will be crucial to their progress. “We will need a big performance from Thomas Partey to beat PSG and reach the Champions League final,” the England midfielder said during Tuesday’s press conference. “Playing with Thomas, I’ve realised that one of the best things about him on the pitch is how calm he is and the calmness he brings to the team. “It’s really special to play with a player like him.” The 31-year-old, who joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020, is expected to return for the second leg—his presence seen as a key boost as Arsenal chase their first Champions League final since 2006. Talks are ongoing between the club and Partey’s representatives regarding a contract extension, with his current deal nearing its end.