Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed plans to hold talks regarding the future of midfielder Thomas Partey, recognizing the Ghanaian international's crucial contribution to the squad.

At 31, Partey has enjoyed a strong comeback this season, having already accumulated 799 minutes in the Premier League—significantly more than his total playing time in the previous 2023/24 season.

Since his transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, Partey has featured in 13 games this season, scoring once and starting in 12 of those matches. Despite occasional criticism, Arteta commended Partey’s current form and flexibility on the field, particularly as the player’s contract is set to expire next summer.

“The one thing we needed was Thomas to be at the level we wanted,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

“He’s working hard and playing really well in different positions, adapting to various demands, and he’s coping excellently. He’s a big player for us,” Arteta said, adding, “He’s in a really good place, and we’ll have these discussions [about his future with Arsenal].”

Originally, Arsenal had planned to allow Thomas Partey’s contract to conclude without pursuing an extension. However, his recent performances have opened up the possibility of reconsidering this approach. Partey’s experience and strong form this season could prove invaluable for Arsenal’s squad depth as they look ahead to the 2025/26 season.

Partey has also attracted interest from clubs like Barcelona and Juventus. While these links remain speculative, his skill set and presence could be crucial assets, especially if Arsenal seeks to maintain a competitive edge both domestically and in European competitions.