Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Thomas Partey's Arsenal future
The midfielder is into the final seven months of his current contract with the club
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By JEORGE BIRD
Published: 12:23 EST, 29 November 2024 | Updated: 12:23 EST, 29 November 2024
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the future of Thomas Partey.
One of the most experienced players in the Arsenal squad, Partey has produced some hugely impressive performances so far this season.
However, there is uncertainty regarding where Partey will be playing next season given that his current deal expires at the end of June next year.
Arteta was asked about Partey's situation at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's game away to West Ham.
Partey was one of the major signings early in Arteta's Arsenal tenure as he arrived at the club from Atletico Madrid in October 2020.
The Ghana international has gone on to make 133 appearances for Arsenal so far.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the future of Thomas Partey
Arteta has been impressed by the performances Partey has produced for Arsenal this season
Arteta is pleased with the impact that Partey has made this season and indicated that discussions will be held about his future in due course. From January Partey will be able to secure a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club if he hasn't signed a new deal with Arsenal.
As reported by Football.London, Arteta said: 'We will have the right time to discuss about the situation.
'He is showing consistency at the highest level, again because his availability and the way that he feels physically is allowing him to do that, and I am very pleased with that.'
It will be intriguing to see whether Partey will be able to retain his place in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season, with Arteta having various options to choose from in midfield.
At present, Arteta's first-choice midfield trio appears to be comprised of Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. However, Arteta can also call upon Mikel Merino and hugely talented youngster Ethan Nwaneri, while Jorginho is an alternative choice in Partey's position at the base of the midfield.
In addition to his tough-tackling displays, Partey has also contributed with two goals for Arsenal in the Premier League so far this season, the most recent of which was a superb strike in the victory against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Arteta says Arsenal will hold discussions regarding Partey's future when the time is right
Arsenal return to action against West Ham on Saturday with an intriguing home game against Manchester United to follow on Wednesday.
At the age of 31, Partey may not represent a long-term option for Arsenal but he is performing impressively and the club will be eager to keep him.
Partey will be determined to help Arsenal secure silverware this campaign given that the only trophy he has lifted with the club so far was the Community Shield at the start of last season.
Arsenal are currently in fourth place in the Premier League, while they are seventh in the Champions League league phase table and are through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, where they will host Crystal Palace.