“I’d renew Thomas Partey’s contract for Arsenal if I were Arteta” – Baptista

Photo Credit – Arsenal Media.

Former Arsenal forward, Julio Baptista has added his voice to the several calls urging the Premier League giants to extend the contract of Ghana international Thomas Partey.

Parety, who is in the final months of his contract, has courted massive interest from clubs around Europe, with La Liga big boys Barcelona and former club, Atletico Madrid eager to make a move for the former Real Mallorca midfielder.

Partey has been an integral member of Mikel Arteta’s team that eliminated giants, Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, reaching the semifinals of the competition for the first time in 16-years.

Baptista who had one season’s loan spell at the Gunners from Real Madrid, insists the veteran 31-year-old midfielder deserves a new deal at the London outfit.

“I think for Arsenal, Thomas Partey has been an incredible player. In Partey, Arteta has found a player that understands what he wants. If I’m Arteta, I’d renew his contract but also bring in another player, and put him under a bit of pressure, make him sweat,” he said, as quoted by Tribuna.

“Put a player behind him in the pecking order, who can start to understand how he plays, and what he does for the team and ease him into the action,” he added.

“I know he’s older, but I believe that his age shouldn’t be a decisive factor in whether or not Arsenal give him a new deal. Players are much fitter these days,” continued Baptista.

“Look at what Mo Salah is doing and you can still be a top, top player in great physical condition when you’re in your 30s. For me, age is not a big problem. The big problem is always if the player still has the mentally to be the best at that age.

“The mind is the most important factor, and I think with Partey, he could still produce the good for Arsenal for a few more years.”

Partey will miss tonight’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal due to suspension. He has played 11 games in the UEFA Champions League this season as the record FA Cup holder’s eye their first ever European title. He has four goals in 31 appearances for the Gunners in the English Premier League.