Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has made clear his intention to retain midfield powerhouse Thomas Partey beyond the summer transfer window.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Southampton, the Spaniard stressed the significance of the Ghanaian international to the Gunners’ midfield engine.
“Yes, I would like Thomas Partey to stay and sign new deal,” Arteta told Fabrizio Romano. “Consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. I think the way he is played, performed, his availability has been exceptional and he is a really important player for us.”
Partey, whose contract runs through the end of the campaign, has already dismissed the notion of departing the Premier League club this summer.
The 31-year-old arrived at Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 but will officially become a free agent on July 1.
Despite reported interest from Barcelona and a potential return to Atlético Madrid, negotiations over a new deal between Arsenal and Partey have been in progress for several months.
