Thomas Partey is poised to leave Arsenal, with contract talks on ice and his current terms running until June 30, 2025. The 32-year-old Ghanaian moved from Atlético Madrid to the Gunners in a £45m deal in October 2020. The club also made it one of their highest-profile signings under Mikel Arteta.
His most consistent campaign came in 2024–25 when he appeared in 52 games in all competitions including 35 in the Premier League. Partey scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists, as he bossed Arsenal’s midfield with experience and precision. Arteta has validated his significance by describing him as a “crucial tactical figure” that manages the attacking and defensive transitions of the team.
🚨 Thomas Partey will hold face-to-face talks with Mikel Arteta this week. Arsenal will NOT increase their contract offer to Partey, however, the offer is still on the table & he has not rejected it. As it stands, it is 90 percent that Partey leaves Arsenal. [@Buchi_Laba] pic.twitter.com/MupacHGd5C
But Partey’s time at Arsenal has frequently been disrupted by injury. He missed over 100 days in each of the previous two seasons with muscle and thigh troubles, in 2021-22 and 2023-24, respectively. While the 2024–25 campaign was something of a relative success availability wise, Arsenal have been wary of offering a long-term extension to a player in the twilight of his playing days.
It seems the main sticking point in negotiations is wages and length of contract. There were reports that Arsenal had offered a one-year extension with a pay cut in order to protect their financial model and keep options open with the playing squad. Partey’s camp, however, are demanding at least a two-year deal with wages matching his current pay, reportedly in the £200–250k per week bracket.
With neither party backing down Arsenal are planning for his summer exit. Arsenal have included Partey in their internal planning lists of likely exits, preferring to cash in rather than lose him for nothing. Arsenal are likely to ask for £15-20 million for their star if they sell this summer.
🚨🔴⚪️ Negotiations between Arsenal and Thomas Partey over new deal are not advancing.
No agreement so far and now concrete chances to part ways in the upcoming days.
Thomas would be available as free agent. pic.twitter.com/4AfD8rUjgi
Interest from outside is ramping up. Juventus have sounded him out and are said to be prepared to offer a three-year contract. Inter Milan and Galatasaray are also in contention, while clubs from the Saudi Pro League – including Al Ettifaq and Al Ahli – have been keeping a tab since last summer. Partey turned down advances from Saudi Arabia in 2023, but sources said he is now more open to the move, with the added circumstances of no long-term insecurity at Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have made preparations for his exit. Arsenal are said to have completed a deal with Martín Zubimendi, with Real Sociedad willing to negotiate around a £50–60 million figure. Arteta also holds high hopes for Myles Lewis-Skelly in the long term, while the club brought the defender on board in the final weeks of the season. Declan Rice and Jorginho will surely take on more of a leadership role in midfield.
Thomas Partey would be an immense asset, but Arsenal need to focus on reliability and value for money. He played well down the stretch, but at 32 and with an injury history, re-signing him to another high-dollar contract is an enormous gamble. Arsenal’s project is the long game and youth development, and Partey is no longer compatible with that.
Allowing him to leave, especially for a small fee, presents opportunities to reinvest in players who can provide marshal consistency for a number of years going forward. His departure would also help relieve the pressure on the wage bill, giving Arsenal the opportunity to focus on signing some key signings in defence or attack.
If he lands in Serie A or the Saudi Pro League, Partey can even still succeed in a less hectic environment. At Arsenal, though, it might be time for a new page. The Gunners are preparing for the future — and this summer could bring the end of Thomas Partey’s time in north London.
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