Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey could be offered a surprise contract extension, despite earlier rumours suggesting he might leave the club this summer.

Partey’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Though injuries have disrupted much of his time at Arsenal, he has recently found good form and is playing a key role as the team competes for trophies, including a strong run in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Arteta was asked whether there had been any updates regarding Partey’s contract situation.

“Yes, there is progress with all the players,” Arteta replied. “I'll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about.”

Pressed further on whether Arsenal’s intention is to keep the 31-year-old Ghana international, Arteta responded, “The intention is very clear. I'll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”

The comments have raised eyebrows, considering Partey’s name has featured prominently in transfer speculation, including reports of interest from Saudi Arabia and a possible return to Atlético Madrid, the club he left to join Arsenal in a £45 million deal in October 2020.

Despite those links, Arteta’s remarks suggest the club could be preparing to reward Partey with an extension, recognising his influence and experience in the heart of midfield, especially during the latter part of the current campaign.

Partey’s yellow card in Arsenal’s emphatic midweek Champions League win at the Santiago Bernabéu was the only blot on an otherwise flawless display.

The Gunners dismantled defending champions Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.

However, the booking means Partey will be suspended for the first leg of the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Speculation around Thomas Partey’s future has intensified, with the midfielder frequently linked with a summer move. Reports have suggested interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and a possible return to Atlético Madrid, whom he left in 2020 to join Arsenal in a £45 million deal.

However, recent comments from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta suggest the club may be considering a contract extension for Partey.

The Ghanaian has shown strong form recently, becoming a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield during a crucial stage of the season. His leadership and experience have made a noticeable impact.

In Arsenal’s recent Champions League triumph over Real Madrid, Partey was impressive across both legs, though he received a yellow card in the second match at the Santiago Bernabéu.

That booking will see him miss the semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners, however, cruised into the last four with a dominant 5-1 aggregate win—reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.

Asked how the team will manage without Partey, Arteta said:“We have a few options and we're not going to give anything away. It was a night for the club that was great and that's it. The best ones are still ahead and to come.

We all have a big ambition and big objectives and we are in the right direction. But the next steps are going to be tough and we're going to have to be at our best.”

Arsenal will next face Ipswich Town on Sunday in a vital Premier League fixture. A loss could hand the title to Liverpool, while Ipswich are battling to avoid relegation.

The Gunners will be without Jorginho, who is nursing a rib injury, and defender Riccardo Calafiori, who is sidelined with a knee issue. Calafiori, however, is hopeful of returning before the PSG match on April 29.

With the season reaching its critical phase, Partey’s role could be more important than ever—and Arteta’s recent remarks hint that the midfielder may remain at the Emirates beyond this season.