David Ornstein: Arsenal now want to hand star a new deal after it long appeared he was set to exit
Arsenal are keen to retain the services of versatile midfielder Thomas Partey beyond the end of the current campaign and have open talks about an extension, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The Ghana international is out of contract at the North London club in the summer, and it long appeared that the 31-year-old was set to exit.
Partey has played 46 games across all competitions for Arsenal so far in 2024-25, featuring at right-back if needed, reestablishing himself as a key player under manager Mikel Arteta after fitness issues limited him to 16 appearances last term.
He has impressed in most of the games he has featured in this term, and the Gunners are convinced he still has what it takes to play for the team regularly going forward.
The former Atletico Madrid star would be open to an improved two-year agreement or a one-year deal plus an option to extend it by a further 12 months, but he will also consider an exit in case agreeing to a new deal falls through.
Arsenal will look to bring Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium club regardless of what happens to Partey, but Jorginho is expected to leave at the end of the season.
Partey had been tipped to move to the Saudi Pro League once he leaves the North London club this summer, but it appears he still has a future at the club and both parties will look to strike a deal in the coming weeks.
Helping them to win the Champions League could boost his chances of securing an improved contract with Arsenal, but he will miss the first leg of the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain next week after getting booked against Real Madrid last week.
Partey should return for the reverse fixture on May 7 and his presence could be huge for the Gunners as they eye a place in the final of the elite European competition for the first time since 2006.
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