Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Thomas Partey has been offered a new contract by the club. Partey’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, and Arteta is keen to keep hold of the ‘solid’ midfielder.
The 42-year-old tactician has been tight-lipped all season about the transfer plans of the club, with so many players likely leaving the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.
Discussing Partey’s potential replacement for the Champions League semi-final against after Arsenal’s 2:1 thrashing of Real Madrid, Arteta said: “We have a few options. It depends on the players as well. If they are comfortable doing certain things, and how we can maximise our qualities in relation to the game we expect against them.”
Though not giving details about the Ghanaian’s contract situation, Arteta further hinted that Partey is a valuable player to the team and he will wish to keep him beyond next summer when his contract expires.
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Partey has been a key player for Arsenal since joining from Atlético Madrid, making 46 appearances this season in all competitions. However, he will miss the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against PSG due to a suspension.
Arteta is focused on the Premier League title race and believes consistency is key to Arsenal’s success. “That we can compete in any contest against any opposition,” he said.
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“Now, the next step is consistency. We do it in the Champions League at that level, now we go to Ipswich, a tough team, and we have to do it again.”
With Kieran Tierney likely to leave the Emirates at the end of the season and Jorginho’s contract also expiring, Arteta will have some important decisions to make.
Arsenal’s next match is against Ipswich Town on Sunday, with the Premier League title race heating up. Arteta’s side will be looking to maintain their position in the top four and push into the last few games with some hope.