Mikel Arteta addresses Thomas Partey’s Arsenal future amid transfer speculation

Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire to keep Thomas Partey at the club, describing the Arsenal star as ‘a top player’.

Partey, who has just over a year left on his contract, was handed his first start since August 2023 in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Luton Town on Wednesday.

Partey has scored 5 goals in 108 appearances for the GunnersCredit: GettyBut the midfielder has struggled with injuries this season and has consequently struggled to rack up the minutes for the Gunners.

Most recently, a hamstring injury kept him out of the squad for a run of 19 games.

With his contract due to expire at the end of next season, there has been speculation that the Ghanaian could soon be flying the Arsenal nest.

Asked if Partey was someone he would like to keep at the club in the long-term future, Arteta delivering a jovial response.

Read More in Arsenal Arteta said: “He better have his head here because we are playing for big things and that’s what we expect!”

On a more serious note, he continued: “We need him because he’s a top player, a very important player for us and you can see on the pitch as well what kind of impact he can have for us.

“He’s our player, he’s got one more year’s contract and I’m really happy with him.”

However, speaking after the win over the Hatters, Partey insisted that his commitment to the Gunners was genuine.