Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire to keep Thomas Partey at the club beyond this summer.

The Ghanaian midfielder, whose contract expires at the end of the season, joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, Partey has attracted interest from clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, and several teams in the Saudi Pro League.

“In terms of consistency, this has been Thomas’s best season,” Arteta said.

“His performances, his availability, it’s all been exceptional. He’s a really important player for us. Yes, I want him to stay.”
Partey has made 51 appearances this season, the most he has managed in a single campaign for the Gunners, and has scored four goals, a significant achievement given his previous injury challenges.

The 31-year-old will look to maintain his strong form when Arsenal face Southampton at St. Mary’s on Sunday