Arsenal duo could leave club, Arteta admits | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal midfield duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey could depart the club.

Both of their contracts expire at the end of this season and they are free to talk to foreign clubs this month over pre-contract agreements.

Arteta says he is happy with both but admits it is a possibility they will not stay beyond this season.

“Well when that situation is in the contract, that is a possibility,” he said.

“It’s close communication with them to understand as well what the idea is, what they want to do, as well our intentions and then decide what is the best option for everybody, but they are two players I am very very happy with that they are such a value in the squad.

“When I want to give them with the right mind frame, because it’s the most important part of the season.”

Arteta also says he could add to his squad this month though stresses January is always a difficult window to do business in.

“I don’t know because the focus is on the players we have,” he said when asked if he expects signings.

“If something stronger is in the market that we can afford and we believe is going to have a real impact in the team, we always have to be open for that possibility because we’d have the ability to improve the squad in the windows.

“But at the moment, the focus is on what we have.”