'Better have his head here' - Mikel Arteta sounds warning to Thomas Partey as midfielder nears Arsenal return amid injury-ravaged season

Partey, whose contract with Arsenal expires in 2025, has yet to engage in discussions regarding a possible extension, raising concerns about his long-term commitment to the Emirates outfit. With the Ghanaian midfielder's contract situation hanging in the balance, Arsenal faces the dilemma of either selling Partey at the end of the season or risk losing him on a free transfer in 2025.

In an injury-ravaged season, Partey has made a limited impact on the pitch, starting only four Premier League matches and making a total of nine appearances across all competitions. However, in Arsenal's recent clash against Luton Town, Partey was handed a rare start and was allowed 67 minutes on the pitch.

"My head is always here. This is where I choose to play, I’m really happy every time I’m on the field," Partey stated, dismissing rumours about his potential departure.

"I know a lot of speculation has been going on, but for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club. With my contract, I still have to the end of the season, I think. I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time."

In a similar vein, Arteta emphasized the importance of Partey's unwavering dedication to Arsenal, stressing that the midfielder must prioritize the team's objectives over contract negotiations.

"He better have his head here because we are playing for big things and that’s what we expect,’ the Arsenal head coach said.

"We need him because he’s a top player, a very important player for us and you can see on the pitch as well what kind of impact he can have for us. He’s our player, he’s got one more year’s contract and I’m really happy with him."

Arsenal secured Partey's services from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for a fee of £45 million, triggering the midfielder's release clause. Since then, Partey has amassed 108 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring five goals during his four-year tenure with the club.

As Arsenal prepare to face Brighton in their next Premier League encounter, Partey will hope to keep his starting berth at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. His role in midfield could be decisive as the Gunners aim to reclaim the top spot in the league standings from Liverpool.