Julio Baptista says Mikel Arteta keeping one Arsenal player at the club is ‘a wise decision’.

Gidibam Web4 weeks ago

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Image credit: Getty Images

Former Arsenal loan player Julio Baptista has beckoned on Mikel Arteta and sports director Andrea Berta to renew the contract of one important Arsenal player, calling it a ‘wise decision’.

Speaking to footitalia.com, Baptista said 31-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s squad and should be kept at all cost. Partey will be out of contract at Arsenal in two month, prompting speculation about his future.

Baptista praised further Partey’s contributions to the team, saying, “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.”

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While acknowledging that Partey’s age might be a consideration, Baptista emphasized that players can maintain top form well into their 30s with the right mindset. “The mind is the most important factor, and I think with Partey, he could still produce well for Arsenal for a few more years,” Baptista added.

**Thomas Partey against Jude Bellingham (Image credit: Getty Images)**

With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal faces a busy period of recruitment and contract negotiations. The club’s sporting chief, Andrea Berta, and Arteta will need to take a close look at the Arsenal situation, especially with so many first-team players facing long injury layoffs.

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Arsenal has been linked with many big names, including a potential move for Athletic Club and Spain superstar Nico Williams.

Baptista believes Williams would be a “fantastic addition” to the Premier League and the Arsenal squad, providing an opportunity for the player to prove his skills in a new environment. “Maybe a new step is what he needs in his career,” Baptista said. “Arsenal is a good opportunity because Arsenal is a friendly club. Players come to Arsenal, and they’re always given the chance to show what they can do.”