Arsenal Reportedly Tabled A “Competitive Offer” To Their Player But Are Yet To Receive A Response
Thomas Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 with high expectations. His signing from Atlético Madrid generated excitement due to his physical presence and tactical vision. However, injuries and ups and downs have marked his time at the club.
This season, although he has had some solid moments, he has been displaced in the hierarchy. Mikel Arteta is looking to rejuvenate the midfield, and that has cast doubt on the Ghanaian’s future. In addition, with the arrival of players such as Declan Rice and the insistence on signing another technical pivot, Partey’s situation at the Emirates has changed significantly.
Arsenal Reportedly Tabled A “Competitive Offer” To Their Player But Are Yet To Receive A Response
According to The Sun, Arsenal made a ‘competitive’ offer to Thomas Partey about ten days ago to renew his contract. The midfielder’s contract expires on 30 June and he has not yet given a formal response. The British media outlet claims that the player is cautious about the proposal. Partey is unsure about his future because he is unclear about what role he will play next season, especially after the arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Although the club are confident that the Ghanaian will bring experience, there is uncertainty as to whether he will accept to continue as a secondary player.
BTP Opinion:
Does it make sense to offer a contract renewal to a player who has been injured more than he has been available? From the club’s point of view, keeping Partey could be logical if they are looking for balance in the squad. He has experience, knows the system and can help with rotations. However, his salary is high and his physical history does not guarantee regularity. If Zubimendi arrives to be a starter and Rice already occupies a key role, what would be Partey’s real place in the squad? The answer is uncomfortable: probably a marginal role. In that case, is it worth spending resources on a player who could be demotivated?
Another question: why has Partey not yet responded if the contract is competitive? Perhaps he is waiting for other offers. Saudi or Italian clubs may have shown interest, and he wants to explore those options before making a decision. Or he simply does not want to sign without a promise of playing time. He is a player who, if he is fit, does not want to sit on the bench. That has a big influence.
The third question is more tactical: can Partey be converted into a useful player in a more limited role? Yes, but it’s not certain that he will accept that. Partey is someone who performs when he feels important. If Arteta does not guarantee him a place in the starting line-up, the Ghanaian could choose to leave on a free transfer. It’s a risk that the club seems willing to take.
From another perspective, perhaps Arsenal see this as a manoeuvre to avoid losing him for free. If he signs, they can sell him later. It may also be a way to cover themselves in case Zubimendi does not adapt. But that means accepting a renewal not so much out of conviction, but as an economic strategy. In any case, time is running out and the ball is now in Partey’s court.