Arsenal legend Baptista advises club to extend Partey’s contract

By Lukman MUMIN, Accra

Former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward, Julio Baptista has joined calls for the Premier League giants to extend Thomas Partey’s contract. The Ghana international has entered the final months of his contract and has been attracting interests from clubs around Europe, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid eager to make a move.

Partey has been an integral member of Mikel Arteta’s team as they eye a first European title.

However, with his future uncertain, Baptista insists the veteran midfielder deserves a new deal at the London outfit.

“I think for Arsenal, Thomas Partey has been an incredible player. In Partey, Arteta has found a player that understands what he wants. If I’m Arteta, I’d renew his contract but also bring in another player, and put
him under a bit of pressure, make him sweat,” he said, as quoted by Tribuna.

“Put a player behind him in the pecking order, who can start to understand how he plays, and what he does for the team and ease him into the action,” he added.

The 31-year-old’s situation has been compared with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who was eventually handed a new deal for his role in their Premier League winning campaign.

“I know he’s older, but I believe that his age shouldn’t be a decisive factor in whether or not Arsenal give him a new deal. Players are much fitter these days,” continued Baptista.

“Look at what Mo Salah is doing, you can still be a top, top player in great physical condition when you’re in your 30s. For me, age is not a big problem. The big problem is always if the player still has the mentally to be the best at that age.

“The mind is the most important factor, and I think with Partey, he could still produce the good for Arsenal for a few more years.”

Partey will miss tonight’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal due to suspension.