Arsenal are reportedly in 'serious danger' of losing Thomas Partey for nothing next year, as contract discussions with the midfielder's camp are not progressing.
The Ghana international is still on the same terms he agreed upon his €50m (£41.6m) arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2020, and he can walk away for free when the season is up.
Should Partey - who was dropped from the starting lineup for Saturday's 0-0 draw with Everton - not pen fresh terms by January, the midfielder will be allowed to enter pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs.
When fit, Partey is a trusted member of Mikel Arteta's squad and is usually the first-choice option in the number six slot, allowing Declan Rice to occupy the left eight position and contribute more to the attack.
Partey has made 22 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season, scoring twice and providing one assist, but according to The Mirror, contract talks are stalling,
Arsenal making 'little progress' in Partey discussions
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The report claims that there has been very little headway in negotiations between Partey's camp and the Gunners, even though the ex-Atletico Madrid man has been a key cog in Arteta's system this season.
Arsenal were supposedly prepared to listen to offers for Partey in the summer of 2022, and the Ghana international has previously been tipped to make the move to either Juventus or Saudi Arabia.
However, the Gunners did not manage to drum up serious interest in the midfielder, who has since won Arteta over with his 'consistency' and is being rewarded with frequent starts.
Partey has made the first XI in all six of Arsenal's Champions League games this season and 13 Premier League matches, sometimes filling in as a right-back amid the Gunners' defensive injury crisis.
For that reason, Arsenal are supposedly reluctant to let him go in January, but the winter window may prove to be their final chance to recoup a small portion of the £41.6m they paid for his signature in 2020.
Is Partey time over?
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No doubt one of the most frustrating performers at Arsenal during the Arteta era, Partey can be unplayable on his day, whether it be doing the dirty work at the base of the midfield or scoring a long-range thunderbolt.
The Ghanaian being willing to play at right-back also puts him in Arteta's good books, but the consensus among Gooners is that fielding Partey in that position and moving Jurrien Timber out to the left is highly detrimental to Gunners' attacks.
As Rice and Martin Odegaard are fundamental to Arsenal's midfield, there is only one space left to fight for, and it is expected that Mikel Merino will establish himself as the regular starter in the left eight role in good time.
A one-year extension might not be the worst move in the world if Arsenal cannot sign another number six in the summer transfer window, but if a deal for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is looking likely, Partey could leave to a mixed reception.
Ben Knapton
