Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dropped a strong hint that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey could be set for a contract extension at the club, despite widespread speculation linking him with a move away this summer.
Partey, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, has endured a challenging campaign blighted by injuries. However, the 31-year-old has found a rich vein of form at a crucial time, playing a key role in Arsenal’s push for silverware in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta was asked directly about Partey’s contract status. “Yes, there is progress with all the players,” he replied, before deferring further comment to Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta. “The intention is very clear. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward,” Arteta added.
The comments suggest a significant shift in the club’s stance on Partey, who had previously been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and a potential return to Atlético Madrid, where he joined Arsenal from in 2020 for £45 million.
Arteta’s apparent endorsement comes after Partey delivered a commanding performance in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, helping the Gunners to a 5-1 aggregate win — their first semi-final appearance since 2009. Although he picked up a yellow card that rules him out of the semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, his influence on the squad has been undeniable.
Addressing Partey’s suspension, Arteta remained upbeat. “We have a few options, and we’re not going to give anything away. The best ones are still ahead and to come. We all have a big ambition and big objectives, and we are in the right direction.”
Arsenal now shift focus to Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Ipswich Town — a match with huge implications at both ends of the table. A loss could hand the title advantage to Liverpool, while Ipswich face potential relegation if they fail to secure points.
The Gunners will be without Jorginho (rib) and Riccardo Calafiori (knee), although the latter hopes to return before the PSG clash on April 29.
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