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Tom OlverPublished Apr 5, 2024, 9:46am|Updated Apr 5, 2024, 9:47am
Mikel Arteta has played down speculation that Thomas Partey could leave Arsenal in the summer, insisting the midfielder remains a ‘very important player’ for the club.
Partey’s current deal is due to expire in 2025 and discussions over a possible extension at the Emirates are yet to take place.
The 30-year-old’s delicate contract situation means Arsenal must decide whether to cash in on the player at the end of the season or risk losing him on a free transfer in just over a year’s time.
This season, Partey has been sidelined for over 140 days through injury, limiting the Ghana international to just four starts in the Premier League and nine appearances in total in all competitions.
The ex-Atletico Madrid man was handed a rare start in Arsenal’s clash with Luton on Wednesday night but lasted just 67 minutes and was replaced by Declan Rice as the hosts secured a 2-0 win at the Emirates.
Speaking after the victory, Partey insisted he was ‘really happy’ with the Gunners amid incessant rumours over his future in north London.
‘My head is always here. This is where I choose to play, I’m really happy every time I’m on the field,’ he said.
‘I know a lot of speculation has been going on, but for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club.
‘With my contract, I still have to the end of the season, I think. I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time.’
At his press conference this morning, Arteta stressed that he was ‘really happy’ with Partey and the Ghanian remained a key part of his plans.
‘He better have his head here because we are playing for big things and that’s what we expect,’ the Arsenal head coach told reporters ahead of the side’s trip to Brighton.
‘We need him because he’s a top player, a very important player for us and you can see on the pitch as well what kind of impact he can have for us.
‘He’s our player, he’s got one more year’s contract and I’m really happy with him.’
Arsenal signed Partey from Atleti back in October 2020 for a fee of £45million after the Gunners triggered the midfielder’s release clause in Madrid.
Partey has gone on to make 108 appearances in all competitions for the north London giants, scoring five goals across his four-year stay.
It remains to be seen whether Partey will continue his run in Arteta’s starting XI when they travel to Brighton this weekend, looking to reclaim top spot off Liverpool in the Premier League.
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