Arsenal risk losing £45m star on free transfer amid 'stalled' contract negotiations

Arsenal are at risk of losing midfielder Thomas Partey for free in the summer transfer window, as he is yet to sign a new contract at the Emirates.

Partey can begin talking to clubs outside the Premier League about a possible summer exit as soon as the January transfer window begins, meaning that Arsenal need to tie him down to a new contract sooner rather than later. There has reportedly been little progress in negotiations over a new contract for the 31-year-old, so the Gunners could be forced to sell him in January in order to get some sort of return on his initial £45m transfer fee.

Partey has become a key player in Mikel Arteta’s side this season, making appearances both as a defensive midfielder and at full-back when defenders have been out injured.

He made 14 Premier League appearances this season, providing two goals and one assist. His last game came against Monaco in the Champions League when the Gunners won 3-0 and Partey played at right-back. Arteta has made it clear that Partey has been a big part of the Gunners title pursuit this season and admitted last month that he is a “massive” player for his side.

He told Football London: “We will have the right time to discuss the situation. He is showing consistency at the highest level, again because his availability and the way that he feels physically is allowing him to do that, and I am very pleased with that.

“This year he’s been so consistent as well because he’s always available - that’s a big thing. He’s a massive player for us."

Transfer interest in Partey from Europe and Saudi Arabia

Amid the Ghana international’s current contract situation, several clubs are said to be interested in signing Partey in what could be a free transfer.

Earlier this season, Goal.com reported that La Liga giants Barcelona were keeping an eye on Partey and would consider signing him for free, should his contract at Arsenal expire in the summer.

It would be a move that would likely suit Partey, who had spent the majority of his career playing in Spain. He came through the ranks at Atletico Madrid whilst also completing several loan moves to other Spanish clubs.

There were also reports during the summer transfer window that clubs from the Saudi Pro League had approached the midfielder over a move. They could also try and tie him down to a deal, should he leave the Emirates at the end of the season.