Arsenal are facing a bold decision regarding the future of Thomas Partey in the coming weeks, with the midfielder nearing the end of his current contract.
The Ghanaian international has been a regular in the side for Mikel Arteta, managing to keep fit for the Gunners at important points of the season.
As it stands, Arsenal face a decision as to whether they keep hold of Thomas Partey or look to move him on in favour of another option.
Under sporting director Andrea Berta, Arsenal have stepped up contract talks with Partey over a possible stay at the Emirates Stadium.
With that possibility now seeming feasible, here’s a look at the winners and losers within the Arsenal squad from such a move.
Winners from Thomas Partey’s potential contract extension at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has stated his desire to keep Thomas Partey at Arsenal, following a season in which he has been back at his very best.
The manager, still keen to keep all of his best players while having some strength in depth too, could still get plenty out of keeping the 31-year-old.
Partey offers an ability to break up play in the middle like very few others can in the Arsenal team, while his return to fitness has made him much more reliable.
With an ability to play at right-back too, Arteta may be a big winner from a new deal being signed.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice has impressed since taking on a more advanced role in the Arsenal midfield, scoring and assisting plenty for the Gunners.
The England international has benefited greatly from having Thomas Partey behind him in the central ranks.
With the Ghanaian international behind him, Rice has been able to push forward to get involved in the final third, with his continuation in the team likely to help continue that impressive form.
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Thomas Partey
One of the big winners of the deal itself is also Thomas Partey, who will be able to stay at Arsenal for the future.
Partey is believed to want a stay in North London, which would line up perfectly with sticking it out with the Gunners.
Losers from Thomas Partey’s potential contract extension at Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly
One star who may miss out due to Partey’s stay at Arsenal is Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Hale End academy graduate has been largely playing at left-back since making his move into the senior team this season.
However, with his natural position being that of a midfielder, there have been questions about whether he should slot back into that role.
With Partey potentially staying, that only adds further competition for places in the central areas.
Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer, with the Spaniard prepared to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium.
If Partey stays, however, then there is no guarantee that he will be given regular minutes in the midfield next season.
The pair will be battling for the same position, the deeper midfield role that Zubimendi has been known for.
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Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has had something of a mixed first campaign at Arsenal, joining from Real Sociedad last summer.
While he struggled to make an impact in midfield, following an early injury layoff, the Spaniard had found some joy playing as a makeshift striker.
With Arsenal preparing to add another forward to their squad, Merino is likely to compete for a spot back in the midfield again.
If Partey is to stay, along with the arrival of Zubimendi, then it may be tougher for Merino to get consistent game time.
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