Andrea Berta’s impending arrival as the next Arsenal sporting director is unlikely to impact the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, Arsenal Insider understands.
It comes as the pair face an uncertain few months at Arsenal, with their contracts dwindling and nearing the end.
Mikel Arteta is looking towards a potential midfield refresh that could impact the decisions surrounding both Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Arsenal Insider understands that Arsenal would be open to giving Partey a new contract, though it would depend on a wage drop.
With Andrea Berta set to join Arsenal as the next sporting director, questions have emerged over whether he could change the plans surrounding the two experienced players.
Andrea Berta’s impact on Thomas Partey and Jorginho contracts at Arsenal
With Partey and Jorginho nearing the end of their time at the Emirates Stadium, there are some questions over whether things could change for the pair.
Andrea Berta’s arrival at the club could well provide that, but Arsenal Insider understands that is unlikely at this stage.
Speaking to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, he said: “This is going to be evolution with Berta, it’s not going to be revolution. There’s not much wrong at Arsenal, if anything.
“This isn’t like Dan Ashworth going to Man United and fixing things, that’s not the situation here. They’re one of the best-run clubs in England already.
“At the end of the day, with Jorginho and Partey, Arteta is already there, he’s having a major say on things.
“Partey, they do like him, in an ideal world they’d probably keep him but they wouldn’t love to do it on his current salary. Could I see him getting another deal? I wouldn’t rule it out but I don’t think Arsenal want to give him a long-term deal.
“I think he’s [Partey] going to test the market, he’ll see what comes of it. It wouldn’t massively surprise me if he stays, but I think they know he will have other interests out there.
“It’s up in the air still with him. I don’t think Berta’s arrival impacts Joringho or Partey, Arsenal are not suddenly going to steer away from Sesko and Isak massively.”
Why Arsenal picked Andrea Berta as next sporting director
With Arsenal closing in on Andrea Berta as their next sporting director, many have wondered why the Gunners picked him over other candidates.
Bailey said on the decision: “I think they did the work on him, he’s got a great CV when it comes to Europe.
“There’s Ayto, we’ll have to see how things pan out. It’s my understanding that they’re very happy with him, they like him, there’s a good chance he stays in there.
“Richard Garlick and Tim Lewis are very much in control of the club with Josh Kroenke but you know, they’re not blind to the situation. If they stuck with Jason Ayto, where’s the European experience? Where’s the European market?
“I think they filled a void that they did have within the club. I think Berta will slot in as very much part of the team, there won’t be him dictating everything.
“Even Arteta had a say in Berta coming in as well. Arsenal are very happy as they are as a club and I just think Berta adds to that.
“I think Ayto will stay, maybe not as an assistant to Berta but in a different sort of role, I think there’s a genuine chance of that. I think Berta was just a very good fit for Arsenal.”
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