Thomas Partey
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has called on the club to start preparing for the possible departure of Thomas Partey, as the midfielder’s contract approaches its expiration.
Partey, whose Arsenal career has been hampered by injuries in the past, has enjoyed a stellar and consistent season. The 31-year-old Ghanaian international played a key role in Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday, earning praise from manager Mikel Arteta.
Despite Partey’s resurgence, his contract is set to expire next summer, raising concerns about his future. Arsenal signed the midfielder from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in October 2020, but without a new deal, he could leave the club on a free transfer next year.
Arteta, however, appeared calm when asked about Partey’s contract situation during a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with West Ham.
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“We will have the right time to discuss this situation,” Arteta said. “He’s showing consistency at the highest level again because of his ability and the way he feels physically, which is allowing him to perform like this. I am very pleased with that.”
Tijjani Reijnders
AC Milan midffielder Tijjani Reijnders (Image credit: Getty Images)
Partey has been a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s midfield this season, featuring in 18 of their 19 matches across all competitions. After an injury-plagued 2023/24 campaign, Partey has remained fit, contributing two goals, including a strike against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
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Arteta praised Partey’s current form, describing his performance against Sporting Lisbon as one of his best in an Arsenal shirt. “Fully agree with you,” Arteta said when asked if Partey was in his best form. “He dominated the game. That’s the level he can play at, and he’s been so consistent this year because he’s always available. That’s a big thing. He’s a massive player for us.”
Smith, meanwhile, has suggested that Arsenal should look for a replacement, identifying Tijjani Reijnders as a potential option.
“I think Arteta is looking at Tijjani Reijnders because players like Thomas Partey don’t seem capable of what they used to do athletically and can’t cover the pitch as they once did,” Smith toldMega Dice.
“He might want some new legs in midfield and an extra body there. Arsenal have spent a lot of money, but if they’ve got the funds, you just want to keep improving the squad.”
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