Arsenal are facing the possibility of losing Thomas Partey for free in January as contract negotiations stall between the two parties, according to reports.
Partey joined Arsenal for £45million from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and has gone on to become a key cog in the Gunners’ midfield ever since.
An injury-riddled campaign last season saw the Ghanaian midfielder linked with an exit from the club but he has returned in fine form this term.
Making 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season, Mikel Arteta has relied heavily on the 31-year-old given injuries to Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino and has even been forced to deploy him as a makeshift right-back on several occasions.
And speaking last month, the Gunners boss said the club planned to discuss terms of a new deal with Partey shortly.
‘We will have the right time to discuss this situation [his contract],’ Arteta said.
‘He’s showing consistency at the highest level again because of his ability and the way he feels physically which is allowing him to do that. I am very pleased with that.’
Despite that, though, according to the Daily Mail, there has been no significant progress made on a new deal with precious few days until the transfer window reopens.
Should that remain the case, Partey would be able to agree a pre-contract with overseas clubs from the start of January.
Clubs in Serie A as well as the Saudi Pro League have previously expressed an interest in signing the experienced midfielder.
Should Partey depart the club, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes the Gunners should go after AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders as his replacement.
‘I think Arteta is looking at Tijjani Reijnders because players like Thomas Partey doesn’t look like he’s capable of what he used to athletically and can’t get about the pitch like he did,’ he told Mega Dice.
‘He might want some new legs in those positions and an extra body in midfield. Arsenal have spent a lot of money but if they’ve got the funds, you just want to keep improving the squad.’
Arsenal are back in action at the weekend as they host Everton at the Emirates.
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