Mikel Arteta has ramped up negotiations to keep Thomas Partey at Arsenal. The Ghanaian midfielder contract set is to expire in June 2025. But both parties want to come to an agreement sooner rather than later .
Arteta lauded Ghanaian Midfielder Thomas Partey’s “exceptional” level of consistency and availability this year, acknowledging Partey as a “really important player”. Gunner Boss said that one of the major reasons Partey has played so well this season and has been such an important piece of how Arsenal builds out of the midfield and into attack is due to the relationship he has with Declan Rice. It allows Rice to get himself forward. Mikel also stated that one thing he learned in his coaching experience and believed to be valuable in a squad that wants to win, is to ensure the squad has some experience and clearly, holding on to Partey is important.
Initial talks were stymied with disagreements first. But while the discussions recently have gone much smoother, they are still very much in the early stages of negotiations . Partey is looking for either a two-year option or a year followed by a renewal clause. Moreover, he still wants to protect his family and ensure stability in London . Arsenal, on the other hand, may want to alter the terms of Partey’s £200,000-a-week salary to fit in with their long-term financial plans. Both parties must agree to an extension before the season ends.
Using Partey, would affect Arsenal’s midfield strategy. It seems like Martín Zubimendi‘s signing from Real Sociedad would lead him to compete for the defensive midfield position. This may leave Arsenal to lose time in the midfield and different parts of the pitch. It may lead in weakening other players perhaps, limiting opportunities as description fills midfield positions are rotated. Arteta also likes to deploy Partey as a player that can step into cover at right-back , which, in an injury crisis, provides some tactical flexibility.
Completing a full regular season is a major accomplishment for Partey. His fitness improved markedly this season as he started to shake off injury problems from before. He played 51 games scoring 4 and assisting 3 times, and he was particularly important in key Champions League games. Other than the injury worries which were eliminated with Partey readily available to play when needed meant Arteta could trust the squad together. While full consideration can be given to Decaln Rice, which helped ease and doubts over reliance on a single player.
Partey has drawn interest from Barcelona and clubs from Saudi Arabia. But Partey has not considered leaving, which bares the questions from a section of fans in extending a contract price to a 31-year-old. When handing out contracts it’s fair to say Arsenal has been willing to age with contract discussions on playing age maturity of a grand unification of experience, which could have badges like trophies around 2020, on one hand looks bad on recent performance with relegation candidates having title hopes.
The lengthy negotiations have been based with Arsenal’s board level discussions between Andrea Berta as Sporting director could. It aims on resolving talks before Arsenal picks up in pre-season. It looks like a one-year contract extension is the best final deal situation possible. The way both sides progressed in negotiations. Though the final terms reached could affect the club’s transfer strategy in relation to his contract, if Zubimendi officially arrives.
The contract issues surrounding Thomas Partey illustrate Arsenal’s tricky situation between being loyal and moving forward. Arteta has shown his support and Partey seems to be back to his best form suggesting that an extension is on the horizon. Yet there is still a possibility for financial and tactical considerations. It will be interesting to see how negotiations unfold, because the outcome will indicate Arsenal’s intention of attempting to win silverware while developing their younger players. For the time being, Partey remains important in Arteta’s plan, as he can provide the right level of experience and ambition during the transition period in North London.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
