Arteta issues update on Thomas Partey’s future with just seven months contract

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Thomas Partey's future.

One of the most experienced players in the Arsenal squad, Partey has put in some hugely impressive performances so far this season.

However, there is uncertainty over where Partey will play next season as his current contract expires at the end of June next year.

Arteta was asked about Partey's situation during his press conference ahead of Saturday's match against West Ham.

Partey was one of the key signings at the start of Arteta's tenure at Arsenal when he joined the club from Atletico Madrid in October 2020.

The Ghanaian international has made 133 appearances for Arsenal so far.

Arteta is pleased with the impact Partey has made this season and indicated that discussions will be held about his future in due course. From January, Partey can enter into a pre-contractual agreement with a foreign club if he has not signed a new contract with Arsenal.

As reported by Football.London, Arteta said: 'We will have the right time to talk about the situation.

“He's showing consistency at the highest level, again because his availability and the way he feels physically allows him to do that, and I'm very happy with that.”

It will be intriguing to see if Partey can keep his place in the starting line-up for the rest of the season, with Arteta having several options to choose from in midfield.

Currently, Arteta's first choice in midfield appears to consist of Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. However, Arteta can also call on Mikel Merino and the hugely talented youngster Ethan Nwaneri, while Jorginho is an alternative choice in Partey's position at the base of midfield.

As well as his hard tackling, Partey has also contributed with two goals for Arsenal in the Premier League so far this season, the most recent of which was a superb strike in the win against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Arsenal are back in action against West Ham on Saturday and an intriguing home match against Manchester United follows on Wednesday.

At 31, Partey may not be a long-term option for Arsenal, but he is performing impressively and the club will be keen to keep him.

Partey will be determined to help Arsenal win silverware this campaign, as the only trophy he has lifted with the club so far was the Community Shield at the start of last season.

Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League, while they are seventh in the Champions League stage and through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, where they will host Crystal Palace.