The future of Arsenal midfield is trembling. Thomas Partey at Arsenal is tenuous as contract negotiations between the Ghanaian midfielder and the club have reportedly reached an impasse. With Partey’s current contract set to expire on June 30, 2025, there are now questions concerning a previously assumed contract extension. Moreover, the prospect of allowing the influential midfielder to leave the Emirates on a free transfer looms.
The immediate issue in the contract negotiations is a large disagreement on wages. Several outlets reported that Arsenal, led by Sporting Director Andrea Berta, presented Partey with a new contract that would pay him his current amount of £200,000 a week. However, this still is a major impasse for the 32-year-old and the player’s team. They are ultimately seeking a wage rise. Reports have described the talks as being “on the brink of collapse” and “at an impasse” as the financial gap has become a dividing point in negotiations. Partey’s representative has issued a clear ultimatum. The player either gets what he demands in wages or he is out.
The potential departure of Partey creates a difficult situation for manager Mikel Arteta. The Spanish manager, publicly leading from the front, stated clearly he wants to retain the Arsenal midfield with Partey in it. He praised him, calling him an outstanding player for a record 2024/25 season where he played 52 times in all competitions, with 4 goals and 3 assists and was able to play every match of the season, despite being prone to breaking down. Arteta said it was Partey’s “best season” in terms of consistent team selections, performance and most importantly health. Arteta thinks of Partey privately as a “really important player” who he can change formations with.
But with the club being willing to spend significantly increased money on a player approaching mid-thirties, showed that they are also cautious about risk, despite Partey’s records from last season. It is this tug of war with sporting passion vs financial reality that has led to the standstill.
The loss of Partey would be a further disadvantage to an already precarious situation for Arsenal midfield. Jorginho’s confirmed departure to Flamengo has already put Arteta in a tight spot. The imminent signing of Martin Zubimendi (£51 million from Real Sociedad) is already in the bag. He is regarded mainly as like-for-like for Jorginho and not Partey. To replace both midfield controllers will leave a considerable hole in depth and quality, probably forcing Arsenal back to the transfer market to sign a midfielder. There are already signs to suggest that a replacement is already in place, but time is very tight.
🚨 Barcelona face competition from Atletico Madrid for the free transfer of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
(Source: MARCA)
🔮 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Where will he be next season? pic.twitter.com/dmV5AlFo0r
The possibility of acquiring a player of Partey’s quality on a free has alerted lots of European heavyweights. AC Milan under their new manager Max Allegri has made no secret of a long-term desire. Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce now look like the most serious suitors, and have already been in discussions with the player’s camp. Juventus, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and also Saudi Arabian clubs presumably also rumoured interest.
🚨 Arsenal want Thomas Partey to stay + in talks over new contract. 31yo midfielder happy at #AFC & family enjoying London life. Ghana int’l open to improved 2yr deal or 1+1yr – will consider alternative options if agreement cannot be struck @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/9C3AT22uiR
Partey himself has sent mixed messages. He expressed happiness at Arsenal and that his family enjoy their life in London. Moreover, he acknowledged discussing the circumstances around his next move: “Where are you happy and where do you feel at home … what is your next goal … we have a family that needs money”. He called himself an “Arsenal fan” but said ultimately the decision is with his agent and the club.
With the June 30 deadline approaching, Andrea Berta is in a critical position. Arsenal will need to decide if to improve their financial offer to meet Partey’s demands or accept his departure and act promptly on their contingency to find a replacement. Currently, the chances of him staying at Arsenal are estimated to be at a precarious 50/50. The result will dramatically affect both Arsenal’s midfield structure and transfer plan for the important 2025/26 season. As negotiations sit ongoing but stalled, the next days are critical for both Thomas Partey and Arsenal Football Club.
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