Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to reshape his side this summer as they bid to kick on next season and win silverware, and is hoping that the club’s board see fit to hand out a new deal to Thomas Partey
Mikel Arteta has admitted for the first time that he wants Thomas Partey to sign a new contract with Arsenal. The 31-year-old midfielder has been one of the club’s best performers this season, but his current deal is due to expire next month and his future remains in doubt.
His former club Atletico Madrid are said to be among his pursuers, while there is also interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. Arteta has previously hinted that Arsenal are ready to offer Partey, who has played 50 times this season, a new contract by stating that the “intention is very clear”.
But when asked directly if he wants Partey to stay, Arteta said: “Yes. There are question marks on a few of them so we’ll have to wait and see.
“But in regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, and his availability has been exceptional. He is a really important player for us.”
Kieran Tierney and Jorginho are also out of contract this summer with both due to play their final games for Arsenal against Southampton on Sunday. Arsenal will head to the south coast for their last game of the season with their Champions League qualification secured, and they are on course to finish runners-up in the Premier League for the third straight season.
READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres makes fresh admission over future as Arsenal profit from Man Utd blowREAD MORE: Alan Shearer names Premier League Team of the Season with four Liverpool stars but no Forest
It will be a vital summer for Arsenal as they target a striker with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle ’s Alexander Isak all possible contenders to move to north London.
Arsenal have this week also been linked with a move for Real Madrid ’s Rodrygo and Arteta insisted he will bolster a squad that is lacking “firepower.”
He continued: “If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no? The teams that win always have the best players.
`
“I wouldn’t like to name a player, but there is pride because we have brought the club into a position that next season people are saying: ‘You have to win a major trophy.’ And that means that everybody believes, and that we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. The biggest statement is that Arsenal is there.
“What is clear with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat and we need firepower. Understanding that the context can change tomorrow, we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before.
“We have to add goals, creativity, and we have to add numbers, and that will be in different positions.”
William Saliba and Jurrien Timber will miss Arsenal’s final game of the season with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. Timber has had surgery and Arteta is hopeful the defender will be available before the next campaign gets under way.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.