"It's close communication with them" - Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal could lose key duo to rival clubs amid contract uncertainty

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta feels that the club could lose Jorginho and Thomas Partey to rival clubs. The duo's contracts expire in the summer and they are reportedly free to sign a pre-contract agreement with other clubs.

In a press conference ahead of the trip to Brighton, Arteta was asked if Jorginho and Partey could agree a deal with other clubs. He said (via Tribal Football):

"That's a possibility. It's close communication with them, what their idea is, what they want to do, and what are their intentions."

Jorginho joined the Gunners from Chelsea for a reported €11.30 million fee in January 2023. The Italian is best known for his ability to stabilize in midfield and his experience has been pivotal when necessary. The 33-year-old has registered 15 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions this season.

His contract at the Emirates expires in June 2025 and he's yet to sign a new one. This means that he could leave the club at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Partey has been decent and energetic in the midfield for Arteta's side. He joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid reportedly for €50 million in October 2020.

Partey has featured in 26 games for the Gunners this season, scoring two goals and registering as many assists. It remains to be seen if the duo will leave the Emirates at the end of the 2024-25 season.

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"The market in January is much more limited" - Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta

Brentford FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League - Source: Getty

The Gunners manager has claimed that the ongoing January transfer window is more limited than that of the summer. Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury has reportedly increased calls for the Gunners to sign a fresh attacker.

In a press conference, Arteta was asked about the Gunners’ plans in the ongoing transfer window. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):

"The market in January is much more limited than the one in the summer."

Arteta has been looking to sign a striker since last summer. However, the Gunners might not be very active in the January transfer window.

Arsenal are currently ranked second in the Premier League, having registered 39 points from 19 games this season. They will take on Brighton in their next league game on Saturday, January 4.