Report: Arsenal transfer exclusive: Thomas Partey contract update as Barcelona consider shock move

"He's one of the top earners at the club. And you think can we really give him an extension due to his age, his injury record? So I can understand they're thinking about it. But from Thomas's point of view as well, I think he's shown this season when he's fit, he's been Arsenal's best midfielder, there's no doubt about it.

"It's not going to be a simple conclusion, I don't think, to these potential discussions that will happen further down the line, but not for January. Thomas is absolutely key to this Arsenal team at the moment.

"He's showing that he's fit, he's playing every week. Mikel could not do without him at the moment. So no, nothing will happen this month and then the talks will start towards the end of the season and a decision will have to be made."

Partey boasts seven goals and six assists from 143 appearances in an Arsenal shirt and is expected to be involved when the Gunners take on FA Cup holders Manchester United in Sunday's third-round blockbuster.