Mikel Arteta makes Thomas Partey Arsenal contract admission amid summer exit fears

Mikel Arteta has opened up about Thomas Partey's contract situation, with the Arsenal midfielder's current deal set to expire next summer.

The midfielder has been sensational in the Gunners midfield this season, featuring in 18 of Arsenal's 19 games this term. After a disruptive 2023/24 campaign due to injury, Partey has remained injury-free so far and as a result has been named in every possible Gunners squad.

It is a worry, then, that the Ghana international's contract is set to expire next summer. The 31-year-old joined Arsenal in a £45million deal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 but could leave the club for nothing next year.

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Arteta appeared relaxed when asked about the situation on Friday morning, however. Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against West Ham, Arteta said: "We will have the right time to discuss about the situation.

"He is showing consistency at the highest level, again because his availability and the way that he feels physically is allowing him to do that, and I am very pleased with that."

Partey has scored twice for the Gunners this season, with his latest coming against Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium last Saturday. The former Atleti man then followed that strike up with a solid performance in Lisbon, helping Arsenal beat Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League.

After Tuesday night's win in Portugal, Arteta was asked if this is Partey's best form in an Arsenal shirt. "Fully agree with you. He had one of the best performances that I’ve seen from him especially with the way he dominated the game," Arteta admitted.

"That’s the level he can play. This year he’s been so consistent as well because he’s always available - that’s a big thing. He’s a massive player for us."

Judging by Arteta's comments on Partey's contract, talks could be held between club and player in the near future. For now, attention remains on Arsenal's busy run of fixtures, starting with West Ham on Saturday.