Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has raised concerns over the future of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, with the player’s contract set to expire at the end of the current season. Partey, who has been a key figure in Arsenal's midfield since joining the club from Atlético Madrid in 2020, now faces an uncertain future, particularly as the January transfer window opens. Along with Italian international Jorginho, Partey is now eligible to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs, adding another layer of uncertainty to his position at the club.
Arteta spoke about the situation at a recent press conference, expressing his admiration for both Partey and Jorginho but acknowledging that their contracts could lead to their departure. "Well, when that situation is in the contract, that is a possibility," Arteta said. "It’s close communication with them to understand as well what the idea is, what they want to do, and our intentions, and then decide what the best option for everybody is. But they are two players I am very, very happy with. They are such a value in the squad."
Partey has been an influential presence in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving for £45 million, but injury issues have limited his appearances this season. His ongoing fitness concerns have led to speculation about his long-term role at the club. Arteta emphasized the importance of keeping Partey and Jorginho in the right frame of mind as the team enters a critical part of the season. "When I want to give them the right mind frame because it’s the most important part of the season," Arteta added.
As Arsenal prepares for the remainder of the season, Arteta also hinted at the possibility of strengthening the squad during the January transfer window. However, he remained focused on the players already at his disposal. "I don’t know because the focus is on the players we have," Arteta said when asked about potential signings. If something stronger is in the market that we can afford and we believe it is going to have a real impact on the team, we always have to be open to that possibility because we’d have the ability to improve the squad in the windows.
With the January transfer window now open, Partey’s potential departure could spark interest from top European clubs outside of England. Fans of Arsenal and the Ghanaian international will be watching closely as the club navigates the contract negotiations and the challenges ahead in the second half of the season. For now, Partey’s focus remains on helping Arsenal maintain their strong Premier League position and push for silverware.
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