Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Southampton (Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta kept his cards hidden when asked whether Thomas Partey is playing for his future. The Ghanaian’s contract is set to expire at the end of June and a decision is yet to be made on whether he will be offered an extension.
Partey has started all six of ‘s matches this season, with the 31-year-old of particular importance to given the injuries suffered by fellow midfielders Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.
Despite Partey’s prominent role in north London, his extortionate £200,000-a-week wages have so far put chiefs off the idea of offering him a new deal.
Arteta skirted around the issue when asked whether Partey’s future will be determined by his performances this season. “We’re playing to find our best version and be the most competitive team and win every single game,” he said.
The Gunners boss did concede that Partey is a ‘massive player’ for him, adding: “He’s shown that week in week out. They way he came back post-holidays was probably the best condition that he’s been. Now it’s about managing him and he’s done really well.”
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