- Mikel Arteta has stated that discussions regarding new contracts for Thomas Partey and Jorginho will be postponed until later in the season. The Arsenal manager is determined to keep the squad’s attention on their ongoing title challenge rather than contract negotiations.
Both Partey and Jorginho are set to become free agents in the summer when their current contracts expire, allowing them to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs. While Arteta acknowledges their importance to the squad, he suggested that their futures at Arsenal will largely depend on their own ambitions and what they want moving forward.
Partey, who arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has been a crucial player in Arteta’s setup this season, performing not only in his natural midfield role but also stepping in as a right-back when needed. The 31-year-old has accumulated nearly 2,000 minutes across all competitions, underlining his versatility and value to the team.
Jorginho, on the other hand, has played a more secondary role this season. The Italian international has made 15 appearances in total, including seven starts. Though he has not been a regular starter, his experience, leadership, and professionalism have made him an essential figure within the squad.
When asked whether he was worried about both players potentially signing pre-contract agreements with other clubs, Arteta admitted that it was a possibility given their contract situations. However, he emphasized the importance of open communication with both players to understand their individual goals and aspirations. He also stated that the club would express its intentions to them before making a decision that would be best for all parties involved.
Arteta was clear about his appreciation for both midfielders, highlighting their value to the squad and his desire to keep them in the right mental state as Arsenal enters the most crucial phase of the season. He insisted that discussions over their futures should not take place at this stage, as he wants to maintain focus on the present campaign.
When pressed on whether he would like to retain Partey and Jorginho beyond the summer, Arteta reiterated that it was not solely his decision. He explained that the players’ own desires and circumstances would play a major role in determining what happens next. He stressed that now is not the right time for such conversations and that those discussions would take place later when the time is right.
Ultimately, Arteta wants both players to understand the club’s intentions, but for now, the priority remains on Arsenal’s performances on the pitch as they push for silverware this season.
