"At full speed": £45m star now wants to agree fresh contract terms with Arsenal - report
Arsenal have had a quiet start to the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have been linked with several players, but they are close to just one signing.
An agreement has been reached for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. He is poised to join next month.
Aside from new acquisitions, the club could also prioritise contract extensions for some key players.
Thomas Partey’s contract expires on June 30, and XSports TV presenter Elis Buse Araç claims that negotiations are continuing ‘at full speed’ as the midfielder wants to extend his stay at Arsenal.
Partey has been offered to Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, but he prefers to prolong his spell with the Gunners.
Arsenal should keep hold of Partey next season
The Gunners have secured the services of Zubimendi after a long-term pursuit.
The Spaniard is one of the best defensive midfielders in La Liga. He should become a mainstay in the number six role at Arsenal with his superb positioning and ability to distribute passes through the middle.
However, the club should still seek to keep Partey in their ranks. Zubimendi may need some time to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. Partey’s presence would be an added assurance for Arsenal, particularly with Jorginho having left the club on a free transfer.
The Ghanaian was injury-prone in his first four seasons at the club, but he managed to stay unscathed last term, making 52 appearances. Partey stood out with his performances on multiple occasions.
The 32-year-old won’t be an assured starter when Zubimendi adapts to the league, but he would still represent a good deputy. The duo could play together too in order to shut out matches.
Partey, who was signed for £45 million from Atletico Madrid back in 2020, is open to staying put. The onus is on the Arsenal hierarchy to find a suitable agreement before the end of the month.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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