Key calls: Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta must decide which of Arsenal’s out-of-contract players are worthy of extensions this summer
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he would like Thomas Partey to sign a new contract at the club.
Partey’s current deal is due to expire at the end of next month and he is yet to agree fresh terms.
The midfielder is attracting interest from former club Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, as well as teams in Saudi Arabia.
Partey’s preference, however, is to stay at Arsenal and it is thought he would accept a one-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months.
And asked if he would like Partey to stay beyond this season, Arteta said on Thursday: “Yeah.”
Partey has enjoyed what Arteta described as “his best season” and played over 50 games for the first time since joining Arsenal five years ago.
The 31-year-old has been hit by injuries throughout his time at the club, but he has managed to stay fit this season.
Best season: Thomas Partey has enjoyed a fine campaign in Arsenal’s midfield
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“In regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season,” said Arteta. “I think the way he’s played, performed, his availability has been exceptional and he's a really important player for us.”
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Partey is one of a number of Arsenal players whose contracts are due to expire next month, with Jorginho and Kieran Tierney in the same boat.
Jorginho is expected to sign for Brazilian club Flamengo on a free transfer, while Tierney is poised to return to Celtic.
Arsenal head to relegated Southampton on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday and the match at St Mary’s looks set to be that pair’s last for the club.
“Well, there’s some question marks on a few of them, so we’ll have to wait and see,” said Arteta.
“We still have another Premier League match to play on Sunday and after that we have some time to sit down and finalise a few things that have to be done.”
Arsenal head into the summer transfer windows with a new sporting director, Andrea Berta, and he will also oversee contract renewals for current players.
“I think he is going to be a big contributor,” said Arteta. “His experience, the fact that he has already won and won in a very difficult context as well, the way he has built teams I think is exceptional.
“I think we have to share all that responsibility. Andrea is going to be a key part driving the idea and the plans that we have to try to execute them, and we are here to support him.”