Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are planning contract talks with ‘big player’

The Gunners had a history of allowing the contracts of their best players to expire, which left the team exposed while suitors scouted.

As a result, Arsenal either offered players hefty new contracts who later failed to live up to expectations or sold to rivals for a low price.

This has now changed, though, as the Gunners are now committing their best players to long-term contracts well in advance of the original contracts’ projected expirations.

Talks about a “big player” who has been “working so hard” lately are reportedly in the works, according to Mikel Arteta.

Thomas Partey is the player in question; his contract with Arsenal is currently unusual because it expires at the end of the current campaign.

Although he has had his share of injury problems, Partey has generally had a successful career at Arsenal, performing admirably on the field.

He has started all of Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League games thus far this season and has been playing well.

In fact, Partey’s league minutes played so far this season (799) surpass his total from the previous season (789).

When unable to assist in filling the midfield vacuum left by injured captain Martin Odegaard, the Ghanaian international has also been filling in at right back.

According to football.london, Arteta disclosed at his pre-game news conference that negotiations for a new contract between Arsenal and Partey are now underway.

Regarding Partey’s constant presence, Arteta stated: “We need Thomas to be at the level we want him to be.” He is putting a lot of effort into his current task.

“He is playing really well, adapting to different positions and demands, and handling it really well,” I believe. He plays a significant role for us.

Arteta then stated, “He’s in a really good place and we will have those discussions,” in reference to a possible new deal.