The massive change Thomas Partey has made to prompt Arsenal contract U-turn

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Thomas Partey’s fitness is believed to be a huge turning point for the midfielder, who is facing a possible stay with a new contract at Arsenal, Arsenal Insider understands.

It comes as uncertainty continues to surround the Ghanaian international and whether he will be at the Emirates Stadium next season.

Thomas Partey is out of contract in the summer and is one of three facing a possible exit, with Jorginho and Kieran Tierney also free agents in a few months.

While it seemed as though a move away for all three was on the cards, there has been a slight twist in the tale.

Arsenal are in talks with Partey over a possible contract extension, though there are plenty of suitors also looking at a deal.

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Thomas Partey’s fitness is key to Arsenal contract U-turn amid talks over new deal

With Thomas Partey now facing the possibility of a stay at Arsenal, the question arises as to what has changed.

The midfielder, Arsenal Insider understands, has changed opinion on an extension thanks to his change in fitness.

In previous seasons, Partey has missed spells in the side through injury concerns, but has been a reliable option most weeks for Mikel Arteta this season.

While Arsenal have never questioned his ability and attitude to the cause, availability has been a huge part of an ever-growing fixture schedule.

With such a massive change, Partey could now stay and is open to talks with the Arsenal hierarchy, which includes new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Arsenal Insider understands that the 31-year-old is still holding talks elsewhere, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and clubs in the Saudi Pro League showing interest.

It remains to be seen whether Partey will be able to land on an agreement with Arsenal before the end of the season or if he opts for a move elsewhere.

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Thomas Partey’s appearances in seasons compared

If there has been one major change for Partey, it has been in his availability for the side across the season as a whole.

The midfielder has made 31 Premier League appearances this campaign, which is already his second-most across his five seasons at the club.

The most he has managed is 33, which came in the 2022/23 season, while he is just 47 minutes away from the most he has racked up in a Premier League year.

Those Premier League statistics show just how many more games Partey has managed to feature in, with his fitness clearly being an important part of his potential stay.