Arsenal have been in talks over a contract extension for star midfielder Thomas Partey for weeks, but as the clock ticks down towards June 30, manager Mikel Arteta faces the very real prospect of losing him for nothing.
The Ghanaian’s resurgence, after a 2023/2024 campaign blighted by injury, has been nothing short of exceptional.
Partey was a mainstay under Arteta throughout last season, impressing in a variety of roles at right-back and in midfield, going on to finish the year with 52 appearances under his belt across all competitions.
His stellar form over the last 10 months prompted Arsenal to open talks with Partey over fresh terms, with the club announcing that they were in dialogue about a new deal by not including the African on this year’s official retained list.
Arteta also confirmed in a press conference that he wants the £200,000-per-week veteran to remain right where he is, after what was arguably his best-ever season at the Emirates Stadium.
“Yeah,” said the Arsenal manager when asked if he wants Partey to stay.
In regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. I think the way he’s played, performed, his availability has been exceptional, and he’s a really important player for us
However, talks have been going since late April, and there has still been no official confirmation from Arsenal that Partey has indeed extended his stay in N5.
Naturally, the 32-year-old is attracting serious interest from elsewhere. Both Fenerbache boss José Mourinho and AC Milan’s Max Allegri have personally held talks with Partey, according to CaughtOffside.
The outlet also reports that Fenerbache and Milan have made Partey “concrete” proposals to join them, so Arsenal have major competition in their bid to keep him.
CaughtOffside have shared that Partey’s agent has given an ultimatum to Arsenal during new deal talks, namely that the ex-Atlético Madrid star will leave if they don’t increase their salary offer.
Arsenal are currently determined not to increase their initial offer, so talks are now at a roadblock and in serious danger of collapsing.
Arteta will be hoping for a swift resolution. Even taking into account the pending arrival of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who’s still expected to join Arsenal with a deal agreed, the Gunners are poised to be a star midfielder short if Partey does leave, given Jorginho’s free transfer to Flamengo.
Arteta needs a rejuvenated and star-studded squad if he wishes to close the gap on English champions Liverpool, and losing Partey would be a disastrous summer blow ahead of what is a crucial campaign for Arsenal’s head coach.
The pressure is truly on for him to win a piece of major silverware, five years after their FA Cup final triumph in 2020, so keeping a player of Partey’s quality/experience is a must.
