Mikel Arteta targets ‘BEST’ in the world and makes Thomas Partey stance clear

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 22 May 2025 11:27 BST
  • 4 min read
Thomas Partey, Arsenal, contract
© IMAGO

Mikel Arteta has said that he wants Thomas Partey to remain at Arsenal beyond the end of his current contract, explaining that the midfielder has experienced his best season since arriving at the club.

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FootballTransfers revealed in an exclusive story earlier this week that Partey, along with Leandro Trossard, has not given Arsenal the green light in contract negotiations.

A source close to the deal stated that there is an agreement on the table that is likely to be signed, and that all parties are relatively relaxed over the situation at present. Barcelona had been interested in signing him.

Current ETV
Player image Thomas Partey 
Thomas Partey 

DM, M (C), D (R)

Arsenal logo

Arsenal

Thomas Partey 
Thomas Partey 

DM, M (C), D (R)

Arsenal

Arsenal

€15.2M

ETV Range

€13.7M - €16.7M

Now Arteta has broken his silence on the future of the Ghana international star, explaining that he hopes Partey will put pen to paper soon after an exceptional campaign.

“In regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. I think the way he’s played, performed, his availability has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us,” Arteta is quoted by The Telegraph when asked if Partey wants to remain at the club.

Arteta already has two midfield deals lined up for the summer, with Jorginho poised to leave for Flamengo while Martin Zubimendi will arrive from Real Sociedad in a deal worth around €60m.

Martin Zubimendi: Joining Arsenal in the summer
© IMAGO - Martin Zubimendi: Joining Arsenal in the summer

Arteta responds to Rodrygo transfer question

The Spaniard also outlined Arsenal’s plans for the transfer market and appeared to suggest that there will be no holding back when it comes to chasing world-class players.

He was asked about a possible approach for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and did not deny interest.

“If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no?” Arteta said. “The teams that win have the best players – always, always – at this level.”

Arsenal are expected to pursue a deal for a centre forward and a winger over the summer months as they seek the magic formula to become Premier League champions after several years of flirting with the title under Arteta.

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