Exclusive: Arsenal make decision over £45m man's future, the player agrees amid Saudi interest
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Arsenal are ready to open contract talks with midfielder Thomas Partey after both the Ghana international and the Premier League challengers turned down a potential summer move to Saudi Arabia.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
After being restricted to just nine top-flight starts during an injury-hit 2023/24 campaign, the experienced midfielder has bounced back during an impressive start to the new season.
With six already, Thomas Partey could equal his tally of starts from the whole of the previous year by the time the November international break rolls around.
And, as arguably the only dedicated ball-winning number six in Mikel Arteta’s squad, Partey’s physical prowess and his penchant for well-timed interceptions have seen him play a major role in those impressive results against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson had concerns about Partey’s lack of pace but he is dispelling those fears in style, his experience and positional sense offsetting any weaknesses in his game.
Arsenal and Thomas Partey in agreement on new Gunners contract
Partey made the most interceptions of any Gunners player in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over Luis Enrique’s PSG side.
That is despite the fact he was subbed off with 64 minutes on the clock.
And, with Partey’s contract expiring next summer, TBR can confirm that the former Atletico Madrid enforcer is likely to be rewarded for his fine recent form with an extension.
Arsenal are ready to open talks with Partey’s camp.
Arteta and his coaching staff are huge fans of the Ghanaian. A two-year deal – one that would keep Partey in North London until the age of 33 – is understood to be on the table.
Partey’s current priority is also to stay with Arsenal. A factor which should make discussions over a new contract a lot more straightforward.
Neither the player nor Arsenal themselves were keen on a summer switch to Saudi Arabia, either.
Partey has already opened up on his Arsenal future
“My head is always here,” Partey told reporters back in May. “This is where I choose to play. I'm really happy every time I'm on the field.
“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 [next] 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.”
Arsenal have kept five clean sheets in the games Partey has started this season.
A £45 million signing from Atletico Madrid on the final day of the summer transfer window back in 2020, the presence and the defensive stability he offers in the deep-lying midfield role also allows Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard to push on and do what they do best.
Mikel Merino, who finally made his Arsenal debut against PSG, is another who should stand on the rock-solid foundations Partey lays down.
After watching The Gunners sweep aside the French champions, Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist is wondering if Arsenal’s backline is now the best in Europe.
And while Partey might not command the same attention as William Saliba or David Raya, his role in Arteta’s outstanding defensive record should not be underestimated.
