BREAKING NEWS  :I want these conversations much later” – Arteta parks Jorginho, Ben white and Partey contract discussions

Mikel Arteta says discussions about new contracts for Thomas Partey and Jorginho will be put on hold until later in the season, with the manager keen to keep the squad’s focus firmly on Arsenal’s title challenge.

The experienced midfielders are both out of contract in the summer, meaning they are now free to negotiate with foreign clubs about a potential Bosman move at the end of the season. While Arteta values their contributions, he suggested that any decision about extending their stays at the Emirates will hinge on what the players themselves want for their futures.

Partey, who joined from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has been a key figure in Arteta’s plans this season, featuring both in midfield and as a makeshift right-back. The 31-year-old clocked nearly 2,000 minutes across all competitions, highlighting his versatility and importance to the squad.

In contrast, Jorginho has taken on more of a supporting role, making 15 appearances so far, with seven starts. While the Italian hasn’t been a regular, his experience and professionalism continue to make him a valuable squad member.

“When that situation is there in the contract, that’s a possibility,” replied Arteta when asked if he was concerned about the pair signing pre-contract agreements elsewhere.

“It’s [about] close communication with them to understand what their idea is, what they want to do. And express, as well, our intentions and then just decide for everybody what is the best option there.

“But it’s two players that I am very, very happy with, that they are such a value in the squad. I want to keep them in the right mind frame because the most important part of the season is coming now.

Pressed on whether he wants to keep both players, he continued: “What I can say is that it’s not about what I want, it’s about what those players have in their minds as well and their situations.

“I don’t want to start to have these conversations now. I want to have this conversation much later because the focus now has to be on what we have to do in the season. They can understand the intentions and then we’ll see what we can do.”