Thomas Partey: Arteta wants Ghana star to extend Arsenal stay

Photo Credit - Arsenal.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has finally confirmed his intentions to extend the contract of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey.

The Black Star, who joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid, is out of contract at the end of the season and discussions over an extension have been ongoing for a while.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s final game of the season against Southampton, Arteta was asked about the situation surrounding Partey’s contract with the Premier League club.

“Yeah,” said Arteta when asked if he wants Partey to stay at the club. “In regards to Thomas (Partey), consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. I think the way he’s played, performed, his availability has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”

Partey has played 51 times for the North London outfit this term after injuries restricted him to 16 appearances last season.

He began his professional career at Spanish club Atlético Madrid in 2013, going on loan to Mallorca and Almería, and returned to Atlético in 2015, with whom he won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018, as well as appearing in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final.

In 2020, he joined Arsenal in a transfer worth £45 million (€50 million), becoming the most expensive Ghanaian player of all time.