Mikel Arteta Requires Availability To Extend Thomas Partey's Contract

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal are willing to offer Thomas Partey a new contract with the midfielder's contract which expires at the end of this season.

Partey, who will turn 32 in June 2025, has enjoyed a return to its best form in recent months after a period filled with injuries that cast doubt on his future at the Emirates.

The Ghana international was previously linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while reports in Spain this week show Atletico Madrid are exploring a deal to re-trank Partey, leaving Los Rojiblancos to join Arsenal for 45 million pounds in October 2020.

"Yes, there is progress with all the players. I will hand it over to Andrea (Berta) and the club to decide and discuss it," Arteta said when asked if there was any progress in the talks on the new contract.

"The goal is very clear. I leave it to Andrea and the club to move forward," he said.

Partey's yellow card was the only negative thing about Arsenal's stunning win in the middle of the week over Real Madrid, completing a 5-1 aggregate win to get rid of defending champions and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009.

He will be suspended for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, but Arteta is shy about how his team will tackle the issue.

"We have several options and we will not give anything. It was a great night for the club and that's it."

"We all have big ambitions and big goals. We are in the right direction. However, the next step will be difficult and we have to do our best," said Arteta.

Arsenal will face Ipswich Town on Sunday, April 20, 2025, knowing defeat can ensure the Premier League title for Liverpool. Ipswich can also be relegated if they lose at Portman Road.

The Gunners will play without Jorginho (ribbones) and Riccardo Calafori (lutut) due to injury.

However, Calafiore is ready to face PSG on April 29, 2025.