Arsenal are in serious danger of losing Thomas Partey for nothing in the summer.

Partey, 31, is free to talk to other clubs from January 1 because his current contract expires at the end of the season. There has been little progress in discussions over a potential new deal despite Partey re-emerging as a key player in the squad this season.

Ghana midfielder Partey has made a total of 21 appearances across all competitions and has been a key member of the midfield as well as playing at right-back, contributing two goals and an assist. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has insisted they will find “the right time” to have discussions while also praising his “consistency at the highest level.”

But so far there has been a stalemate on the contract despite previous strong interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Arsenal were willing to do business on Partey two summers ago but there was never an acceptable offer and since then he has struggled with fitness issues.

After being a huge part of Arsenal’s title challenge in the 2022/23 campaign, Partey missed big chunks of last season through injury as he was absent for months.

But Partey has come back strongly this season in terms of performance and is in good physical shape as he is left unsure on his next career move. His consistency has impressed Arteta but it remains to be seen whether they can agree a deal.

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45m in the summer of 2020, signed a five-year deal and that has never been extended. He has made 136 appearances for the Gunners, with seven goals and five assists.

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Arsenal have gone through a raft of extensions with William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all tied down. They have also signed Mikel Merino who could be a long-term option in midfield with the likes of Declan Rice and Odegaard.

But clubs in Saudi and across Europe are now keeping tabs on the Partey situation. Arsenal would be reluctant to let him go in January but then risk losing him for free if they do not resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are hoping Brazil defender Gabriel could be fit to return against Everton on Saturday in what will be another must-win game for the Gunners and their faltering title bid.

Gabriel has missed Arsenal’s last three games with a hamstring injury but has been close despite not being risked against Monaco in the Champions League. But Riccardo Calafiori may have to wait longer for his return in what has been a stop-start season for the £42m Italy defender.

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