Arsenal: Thomas Partey contract preference revealed as talks held amid Barcelona interest | OneFootball

Partey could sign a new one-year contract with the option to extend for a further season

Extension: Arsenal are now open to offering Thomas Partey a new deal

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Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey’s preference is to sign a new contract with the club, despite interest from Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus.

Conversations are ongoing, but Arsenal are now thought to be open to the idea of tying Partey down to fresh terms.

The 31-year-old has enjoyed his best season since joining the Gunners in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for over £40million.

Partey has made 46 appearances in all competitions and was one of Arsenal’s star performers in their Champions League quarter-final wins over Real Madrid.

The Ghana international has interest from abroad, with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus all keen on him. There is also said to be interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Partey’s preference, however, would be to stay in London and sign a new contract with Arsenal.

Andrea Berta will oversee the talks over a new contract for Thomas Partey

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Preliminary talks have taken place and the midfielder is understood to be open to the idea of signing a new contract that would run for a year, and contain the option to be extended by a further 12 months.

Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s new sporting director, has been tasked with overseeing contract negotiations and manager Mikel Arteta hinted last week that he would be open to Partey staying.

Asked if there had been progress over a new contract for Partey, Arteta said: “Yes, there is progress with all the players. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to decide and to talk about.”

When pressed if Arsenal’s intention is to keep Partey, Arteta added: “The intention is very clear.”

Arsenal are looking to bolster their midfield this summer and they are expected to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Jorginho, like Partey, is out of contract at the end of this season and the current feeling is he will leave the club.

The 33-year-old has interest from Brazilian side Flamengo and last month he travelled to Rio de Janeiro.

Jorginho, who is currently out of action with a rib injury, had been close to leaving a year ago before signing a new one-year contract.

Partey started Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, but he will miss the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

The midfielder is suspended after he picked up his third yellow card of the competition during last week’s win at Real Madrid.