Thomas Partey
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are reportedly still unable to reach concrete new contract terms with Thomas Partey, despite ongoing discussions.
The Ghanaian midfielder’s deal is set to expire at the end of June, and several top European clubs, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, are keen on signing him on a free transfer.
Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, has made over 150 appearances for the Gunners. However, Mikel Arteta is reported to be bent on building his Arsenal project around young players, which is why the club is very reluctant to offer long-term contracts to the energetic midfielder.
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Arsenal are also reportedly in the market for a long-term replacement for the 31-year-old. The Gunners have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Martin Zubimendi, who is believed to be a more trusted option for the Arsenal hierarchy.
In the 2024/25 season, Thomas Partey enjoyed his most injury-free campaign yet, featuring in 35 Premier League matches.
Talks between Arsenal and Partey have stalled, with the player reportedly weighing his options. There are also reports that the Arsenal hierarchy are monitoring the sign-on situation of top target Martin Zubimendi before deciding whether to offload or keep the midfielder.
Martin Zubimendi (Image credit: Getty Images)
Partey may be released by the club if Zubimendi signs for Arsenal. Barcelona, in particular, is keen on signing Partey, with their manager, Hansi Flick, admiring the midfielder’s skills. Atletico Madrid, Partey’s former club, is also in the mix, and the player could be tempted to rejoin the club that unearthed him.
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Mikel Arteta is expected to integrate a long-term midfield option alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Potential candidates include Zubimendi, as noted earlier, who is reportedly close to joining the Gunners. Partey’s statistics show a decline in his performance over the past two seasons. His pass accuracy remains high, but his key passes and progressive passes per 90 minutes have decreased.