Arsenal have yet to open talks with Thomas Partey over a new contract.
When asked last week whether there had been any progress over the future of Partey, whose current deal expires in the summer, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “Yes, there is progress with all the players. I’ll leave that to Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about.
When later quizzed on whether the intention was to keep the 31-year-old midfielder, Arteta added: “The intention is very clear. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”
As of yet, however, formal talks between Arsenal and Partey have not begun, although there is a growing feeling from the player’s camp that the club could be willing to discuss a new deal in the coming weeks.
The Ghana international is understood to be happy and settled in London with his family and whilst there is interest in him from the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus, he would be open to discussing a contract extension.
His representatives were in London recently and attended the Real Madrid home game, but they did not hold talks with the club over a new deal.
Partey is one of the highest earners at Arsenal, and despite enjoying a strong season availability-wise, his poor injury record since arriving from Spain could be a factor in any talks.
Arsenal will be understandably reluctant to commit to a lucrative new deal for a player who will turn 32 in June and has, prior to this season, been plagued by injury issues.
Arsenal are also hopeful of completing a big-money move for Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi early in the summer transfer window, although Jorginho is expected to leave for Brazilian giants Flamengo. Enditem
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