Arteta gave a cryptic reply when requested about Partey’s contractual scenario final week.
Requested if there had been any progress, Arteta mentioned: “Sure, there may be progress with all of the gamers.
“I am going to go away that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the membership to determine and to speak about.”
Pushed additional whether or not the intention is to maintain Partey, Arteta added: “The intention could be very clear. I am going to go away that to Andrea and the membership to take a step ahead.”
The very fact Partey is but to signal a brand new contract with solely a month of the season to go might sound to counsel the membership usually are not urgently in search of to retain him.
Conversations are ongoing as as to if Arsenal supply Partey a brand new contract.
Whether or not that indicators a big change of strategy for the Gunners stays to be seen, however in keeping with well-placed sources Berta’s arrival as sporting director has offered an alternate outlook as as to if Partey may have a future past the top of the season.
Berta and Partey have a long-standing relationship having labored collectively at Atletico Madrid and it was Berta who sanctioned Partey’s transfer to Arsenal for £45m in 2020.
One issue Arsenal will probably be contemplating would be the anticipated arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Actual Sociedad in the summertime – would Partey nonetheless have an everyday position in Arteta’s crew if the Spain worldwide signed?
With that in thoughts, it makes little monetary sense to supply Partey a contract just like the £200,000-per-week he’s at the moment incomes if he is not going to be beginning most weeks.
It’s also key to do not forget that final season he managed simply 15 appearances for the Gunners due to persistent damage issues, although the groin surgical procedure he underwent on the finish of 2023 is known to have cleared up these ongoing points.
However, his age and his earlier damage report over the course of his keep have been concerns – amongst different components – relating to any supply of an extension.
If Partey have been to go away there may be mentioned to be rising curiosity from overseas.
He has been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid, whereas Barcelona are mentioned to be concerned with signing him on a free switch. There may be additionally believed to be curiosity from Saudi Arabia.
