Mikel Arteta says discussions about new contracts for Thomas Partey and Jorginho will be put on hold until later in the season, with the manager keen to keep the squad’s focus firmly on Arsenal’s title challenge.
The experienced midfielders are both out of contract in the summer, meaning they are now free to negotiate with foreign clubs about a potential Bosman move at the end of the season. While Arteta values their contributions, he suggested that any decision about extending their stays at the Emirates will hinge on what the players themselves want for their futures.
Partey, who joined from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has been a key figure in Arteta’s plans this season, featuring both in midfield and as a makeshift right-back. The 31-year-old clocked nearly 2,000 minutes across all competitions, highlighting his versatility and importance to the squad.
In contrast, Jorginho has taken on more of a supporting role, making 15 appearances so far, with seven starts. While the Italian hasn’t been a regular, his experience and professionalism continue to make him a valuable squad member.
“When that situation is there in the contract, that’s a possibility,” replied Arteta when asked if he was concerned about the pair signing pre-contract agreements elsewhere.
“It’s [about] close communication with them to understand what their idea is, what they want to do. And express, as well, our intentions and then just decide for everybody what is the best option there.
“But it’s two players that I am very, very happy with, that they are such a value in the squad. I want to keep them in the right mind frame because the most important part of the season is coming now.
Pressed on whether he wants to keep both players, he continued: “What I can say is that it’s not about what I want, it’s about what those players have in their minds as well and their situations.
“I don’t want to start to have these conversations now. I want to have this conversation much later because the focus now has to be on what we have to do in the season. They can understand the intentions and then we’ll see what we can do.”
Jorginho has taken the Elneny role with more quality. Wouldn’t care much if we offered both one year deals. For Partey in particular fans wanted him gone the moment we were linked with Rice, brutally wanted him gone when we were after Merino but he’s still here running the midfield like a monster. And ironically fit to cover RB for usually more robust teammates.
He still gets unfair stick in certain quarters in review of his performances but like Jorginho, it wouldn’t hurt to extend their deals and focus investment further forward where it looks much needed
Does anyone know if we have an option to extend? If not I expect Partey to leave as he’ll surely get a good offer from abroad.
I really thought T5 was done and dusted. But as Jesus taught us, any player can resurrect.
I’d be tempted to offer them both one year extensions. Perhaps Jorginho’s role could include a more coaching / mentor role too.
We still defo need recruitment in CM though. I’m liking Merino but he’s a sticking plaster, not the definitive answer.
I’ve heard we’re thinking of resurrecting the career of retired football Mark Lazarus.
I thought Partey was very good in the game against Brentford. Did a lot right.
Who has been player of the season so far….hint TP
I think its probably Saka to be fair
Saka for sure. Gabriel is the only one who comes close.
Wrong. TP by a country mile.
So far Saka, but considering his prolonged absence for next two months, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone from our defence gets this end of season. I am leaning towards Raya, followed by Gabriel or Saliba.
Raya.
If we have to release one to get a more younger DM . Jorgi has to go and give TP a one year to blend the transition. Give TP the elneny role…
Get Zubimendi in the summer
I think Jorg is more content with the “mentor” role, transitioning him towards a coaching job. I think TP would rather move on if he is not playing regularly, especially if he gets a good offer.
Partey’s large wages would have to be considered if we were just going to keep him on the bench. Plus he could probably get offered a longer and more lucrative contract elsewhere, with more playing time, given he’d be moving for free.
I’d look to bring him in now if possible. He has a release clause and La Real aren’t doing anything at all this season.
I would offer both a one-year deal with an option year. They may be in the twilights of their respective careers, but Partey has been an absolute monster for us this season and Jorginho just exudes calmness and control. Their value to the squad is huge.
A little too huge for comfort. A short term deal makes sense for us but may not be what they think they deserve. TP in particular might feel he has shown enough to warrant a multi year deal whith this being his last opportunity to land a big contract. I would offer a 1 year guaranteed + 1 year player and team option but actively work on a succession plan. We will need one controller and one versatile physical runner with progressive qualities. Adam Wharton is a name that comes to mind right away for Jorginho’s successor. We tried (really… Read more »
How can Jorghino have a “successor” when he barely gets any minutes as it is? You’re also wrong on zubimendi. We tried to get him last summer and had to make do with his teammate merino instead.
We will definitely let TP go as he’ll have better offers elsewhere and we would have extended him by now if we thought otherwise. No biggie. Rice will take #6 as he should.
How is rumoring a big bid for Isak? No way that happens. Nico Williams in before any other forward.
So here’s my take;
1. Let both TP and Jorghino leave
2. Rice takes the starting #6 role, his best and his most effective position
3. Sign a ball playing/physical left 8, such as eze
4. Merino becomes the el neny and can cover either Declan at #6 or whoever we bring in at #8