Talks between Thomas Partey and Atletico Madrid over a contract extension are essentially on hold until the end of the season, according to reports.

Mundo Deportivo report that bar any surprises, there won’t be much news on Thomas Partey and his potential contract extension until the end of the season. Player and club certainly intend to hold talks, but only when the situation is clearer.

As with Arsenal, Atletico’s current standings are particularly difficult to judge. If they can’t play out the rest of the season, they’ll finish sixth and in the Europa League. However, they’re only one point and a couple of goals off the top four.

The resulting uncertainty is drawing lots of interest from outside. Arsenal are the leading club in the mix right now. But Mundo Deportivo also mention Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus as possible destinations for the midfielder.

If Atletico do fail to make it back into the Champions League whilst Arsenal somehow manage to qualify, you’d imagine those contract extension talks aren’t going to go so smoothly.

For now, however, that remains out of the control of the two clubs. We await a decision from the footballing authorities on the rest of the campaign.