Thomas Partey has recently entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium

 

Thomas Partey has penned an emotional message following Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Reds at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Wednesday night, ending the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the United States.

Mohamed Salah fired Liverpool ahead inside the opening quarter of an hour before Fabio Carvalho etched his name on the scoresheet. Then, shortly before the break, Kai Havertz pulled one back for Arsenal, but the north Londoners couldn’t find an equaliser in the second half.

 

After the game, Partey, who’s recently entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, took to social media with a heartfelt message. The 31-year-old midfielder wrote: “The US tour has come to an end, and we’re leaving with unforgettable memories. We felt all your support here! Thank you US [heart emoji].”

Partey has been heavily linked with an exit from Arsenal this summer, with his contract set to expire in June 2025. Interestingly, Mikel Merino has recently emerged as a target for the Gunners, which casts even greater doubt over the Ghanian’s future.

football.london understands Arsenal are interested in signing the Real Sociedad maestro as they look to bolster their options in the middle of the park. Merino featured 32 times in La Liga last season, scoring five goals and providing three assists.

Playing a key role in Imanol Alguacil’s side, he helped the Spanish club finish sixth and secure Europa League qualification. In a recent interview with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Real Sociedad president provided an update on the £42.3m-rated midfielder.

Jokin Aperribay said: “We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them. The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully his decision is to stay. He already knows that we want him to stay.

“He has had a renewal offer for some time. And if not, we will try to negotiate the best way out for Real. What we think is that the club has to look to the future.

“Try to be stronger every year or every day. You don’t have to hide behind a contract when a player tells you that he wants to take advantage of an opportunity. Daily work makes us stronger.”

In the meantime, it appears as if Real Sociedad have been working to sign a replacement for Merino. According to Fabrizio Romano, the La Liga outfit have reached an agreement with RB Salzburg to sign Luka Sucic, who will travel to Spain with his entourage to complete a medical.