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Talks over a new contract for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey are said to be intensifying, according to a report by Charles Watts.
The Ghanaian's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and while he has been locked in discussions over a new contract since April, an agreement is yet to be reached. Partey's agent was a guest at the Gunners' 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday with both sides now pushing for a swift resolution to the talks.
The club and the player want clarity ahead of the summer transfer window, but with no agreement currently in place, the chances of Partey leaving Arsenal are growing greater. However, there is a preference among both sides for the midfielder to remain in north London.
Contract talks with Thomas Partey intensifying
It's hard to blame Arsenal for intensifying their talks with Partey as they look to have any resolution wrapped up before the opening of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have now agreed for Martin Zubimendi to join in the summer, but with Jorginho set to leave for Flamengo upon the expiry of his contract, they may be in need of another new midfielder this summer.
Partey has been a crucial part of Mikel Arteta's side this season and has been much more consistent in both his performances and fitness, having improved his fitness brilliantly. Seeing him depart the club would leave a big hole in the midfield.
An ideal world would see the midfielder remain at Arsenal beyond this season as that would take a heavy burden off sporting director Andrea Berta in a summer where the main priority is bringing a world class striker to the club. If Partey was to leave alongside Jorginho, the Gunners would likely have to splash more cash in bringing another replacement to north London along with Zubimendi.
However, if he does opt against signing a new deal and leave for pastures new, Arsenal have to know that sooner rather than later. With just a matter of days until the transfer window opens, business will begin rather quickly and Arteta's side have to be among that.
If Partey does stay in north London, it'd prevent the need to sign another midfielder and also mean serious quality remains in the Gunners side. However, if he does leave, the club will have a task in finding a suitable replacement for him, one who can put up the performances he has. The shared preference for him to remain at the club should be a boost, but regardless, Arsenal's main focus has to be to get this contract sorted very soon, so they know what to anticipate going into the transfer window.