Thomas Partey with Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
The future of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey remains uncertain, with contract negotiations between the club and the Ghanaian international reportedly at a standstill. According to Nigerian journalistBuchi Laba, the next few days will be pivotal in determining whether Partey stays at the Emirates or departs this summer.
Partey, 32, is entering the final year of his current deal, which expires on June 30, 2025. Talks over an extension have stalled, with a reported 90% chance that the midfielder could leave as a free agent if no agreement is reached.
Signed from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, Partey has been a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s setup when fit. He enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign, featuring in 35 Premier League matches and 51 games across all competitions. His four goals and three assists helped Arsenal to a second-place league finish and a Champions League semi-final run.
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Despite his impact, the sticking point in contract negotiations is wages. Arsenal have reportedly offered a new deal on terms similar to Partey’s current £200,000-a-week salary. However, his representatives are seeking an increase to reflect his continued importance to the team. According to Laba, Arsenal view their proposal as “very solid” and are unwilling to raise the offer.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey (Image credit: Getty Images)
A decisive face-to-face meeting between Partey and Arteta is scheduled for this week. Both parties are said to want to continue their partnership, but compromise will be necessary. “Arsenal wants Partey to stay. Partey too wants to stay. One has to sacrifice,” Laba posted on X on June 23.
Adding to the uncertainty is growing interest from elsewhere. Partey reportedly has “concrete offers” from clubs in Italy and Turkey, with at least one Turkish side prepared to meet his wage demands. He has also been linked with Barcelona, Juventus, and former club Atlético Madrid, while Saudi Arabian teams have maintained interest in recent months.
While Partey’s preference is to remain in London, where his family is settled, his camp has made it clear that he will consider a move if Arsenal do not improve their offer.
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Arsenal’s own transfer activity could further complicate the situation. The club is closing in on the £51 million signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to become a regular starter. With Jorginho confirmed to be joining Flamengo and players like Kieran Tierney and Raheem Sterling departing, Arsenal are entering a new phase of squad rebuilding under Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.
Zubimendi’s arrival could reduce Partey’s playing time next season, a factor that may influence his decision if a pay increase is not offered. While some sources downplay the impact Zubimendi will have on Partey’s role, the club’s long-term strategy appears to prioritise younger talent.
Arsenal - Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arteta has publicly praised Partey in the past, calling him a vital player and hinting in April that the club intended to extend his stay. “The intention is very clear,” Arteta said, while leaving final decisions to Berta. However, the lack of progress so far has raised doubts.
Sources close to the club suggest that Arsenal are operating within a flexible but disciplined wage structure and consider Partey’s current salary appropriate given his age and past injury record.
With interest from a Premier League club reportedly surfacing earlier this month and foreign suitors circling, the outcome of this week’s discussions could mark the end of Partey’s five-year spell in North London. He has made 150 appearances for the Gunners and played a key role in their return to the Premier League and European elite.
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