Thomas Partey, the Arsenal midfielder, has been performing like a man on a mission. His impressive run in the team has sparked discussions about a potential contract extension with the north London club. The Ghanaian's current deal expires at the end of this season, and his future was uncertain due to an injury-plagued couple of years leading up to 2024/25.
Despite his undeniable talent, persistent injuries often sidelined him from Mikel Arteta's project. Many had given up on the 31-year-old following another injury-ridden 2023/24 campaign.
However, this term has seen Partey re-emerge as an integral part of Arteta's side. He started every single Premier League and Champions League game so far.
Possible short-term deal for Thomas Partey
Partey’s performance levels two months into this season have led many to reconsider whether Arsenal should extend his current contract. Given that he is already 31 years old, it is unlikely that he will be offered a long-term deal. However, there are expectations that a short-term contract offer - no more than two or three years - should soon arrive at Partey’s table.
Last month saw reports regarding Arsenal’s willingness to open talks with the player’s entourage about extending his stay at Emirates Stadium. Recently, Mikel Arteta shed light on potential discussions with Thomas Partey over a new deal:
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, said:
“He’s only 31 and he’s in a really good place and yes, we’ll have discussions,"
Impact of Martin Odegaard's absence
The Ghanaian player's uptick in form this season seems to have been aided by Martin Odegaard's absence due to an ankle injury. It will be interesting to see how Arteta configures his midfield when Odegaard returns from injury soon.
Summer arrival Mikel Merino has settled in nicely and we typically see Declan Rice performing best in a number six position. However, Arteta is pleased with Arsenal's #5 and his importance is unlikely to diminish too much once Odegaard returns.
Mikel Arteta added:
“The one thing that we needed was Thomas to be at the level we wanted certainly. He’s working so hard to do what he’s doing at the moment, I think he’s playing really well in different positions with different demands and he’s coping with it in a great way. He’s a big player for us.”
With Arteta reasserting Partey's importance and rumors of interest from Europe's elite clubs ahead of a potential free transfer next summer, it would be wise for Arsenal to act swiftly if they wish to retain Partey. However, offering the midfielder a lucrative extension could be risky due to his age and injury history. There are also concerns that Partey’s recent performance surge may be due to him entering a 'contract year'. Regardless, fans will hope that this isn't the case and that he continues his impressive form into the future.
