Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made it clear: he wants Thomas Partey to stick around beyond the end of his current contract.
Partey’s deal with the Gunners runs out this summer, and while discussions with his camp are already underway, his future remains uncertain. The 31-year-old midfielder has been a key figure for Arsenal this season as they close in on a third straight second-place finish in the Premier League.
While teammates Jorginho and Kieran Tierney are expected to leave the club this summer — with the upcoming match against Southampton likely being their farewell — Partey’s situation is more up in the air.
Despite some injury setbacks earlier in the season, Partey has featured in 50 matches across all competitions this campaign. He’s been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid, the club he left for Arsenal in 2020, as well as interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Arteta has previously hinted at wanting to keep Partey, saying the club’s “intention is very clear.” But in a recent statement, he gave the strongest signal yet that he sees Partey as a crucial part of Arsenal’s plans moving forward.
Whether that turns into a new contract remains to be seen — but it’s clear Arteta isn’t ready to let his midfield engine go just yet.
