Arsenal could be forced into quicker contract decision amid 'interest' from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona

Arsenal may be forced into a decision over one of their soon-to-be out of contract players. The Gunners have done a good job of managing their personnel over recent years, with Mikel Arteta and Edu recruiting and offloading players efficiently.

Plenty of money has been spent, but the most recent slate of summer business was far more balanced, with a number of fringe players departing the club. But not every decision is straightforward, and Arsenal face a difficult decision when it comes to midfielder Thomas Partey.

The 31-year-old is arguably playing his best football in some time this season, offering fine protection of the back-line alongside Declan Rice, although Mikel Merino’s return to fitness could see his opportunities reduced. Partey’s contract is up at the end of the season, and Arsenal are yet to offer him a new deal despite his fine form this term.

According to recent reports, Arteta remains undecided whether to offer Partey a new deal, but he may have to make a decision quicker than anticipated. That’s because, according to Jorge Asensio, both Partey’s old club Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are both interested in a deal ahead of next summer.

As things stand, both clubs are free to agree a pre-contract agreement with Partey from January 1, with the opportunity to land the midfielder on a free transfer. Arsenal can only prevent that by agreeing on a new contract ahead of January.

Any deal is likely to be a short-term one, lasting between one and two years, but if Partey knows he has the option to return to Spain with another huge club, it’s likely he would demand at least two years, given those clubs are going to offer at least two. That could make things difficult for Arsenal, who may be less likely to offer a deal should Merino hit the ground running, especially with the way Ethan Nwaneri is stepping up in midfield.