Mikel Arteta has praised Thomas Partey and suggested he wants to keep the midfielder following suggestions Arsenal could sell him this summer.
Partey made his first start since August in the 2-0 win over Luton on Wednesday and his return to fitness has given the Gunners a boost for the run-in. The Ghana international can provide competition for Declan Rice and Jorginho in central midfield, having missed 19 games with a hamstring injury.
His return to the team has prompted further questions about Partey’s long-term future at Arsenal, given his current contract expires in June 2025. The 30-year-old has been consistently linked with a move, with a big-money transfer to Saudi Arabia or Juventus among the options suggested.
Partey suggested he wants to extend his stay at Arsenal after the Luton game and, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Brighton, Arteta said: “He’d better have his head here, because we are playing for big things. That’s what we expect. We need him. He’s a top player and important for us, you could see the other day on the pitch the impact that he can have for us.”
Asked about a new contract, Arteta added: “He's our player, he's got one more year's contract and I'm really happy with him.” Partey joined Arsenal in a £45million transfer from Atletico Madrid in October 2020. He has made 108 appearances, scoring five goals and providing four assists, but has struggled with persistent injuries in the past few seasons.
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Nevertheless, Partey made it clear on Wednesday that he is focused on aiding Arsenal in their efforts to secure a first Premier League title in 20 years. “My head is always here,” he said. “This is where I choose to play, I'm really happy every time I'm on the field.
Thomas Partey made his long-awaited return against Luton (Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Arsenal hand a new contract to Thomas Partey? Comment below.
“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.”
Rice was given a first rest of the league campaign against Luton and will return to the side for the visit of Brighton to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Liverpool's 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Thursday night restored their two-point lead and put the ball back into Arsenal’s court with eight games remaining.
Bukayo Saka was missing from the squad for the Luton game and Arteta was unable to give a definitive update on the winger’s fitness. “We will know now,” he said on Friday morning. “We have a training session in a few hours and we will know if he’s fit or not.” Asked if he was concerned about a potential burnout of players like Saka, Arteta replied: “No. I am super positive. I think he is going to fly and be so decisive.”
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