Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly set to leave Arsenal this summer after contract negotiations reached a complete standstill. Partey’s current deal expires at the end of June, and despite initial optimism, the club and player have failed to agree on terms for an extension.
Partey joined Arsenal in October 2020 from Atletico Madrid for £45 million and has since made 167 appearances, scoring nine goals. Although injuries limited his playing time in previous seasons, he was a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield during the 2023-24 campaign, helping the team reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Recent reports indicate that Arsenal and Partey have paused negotiations and are close to undoing progress made earlier, meaning the midfielder could become a free agent imminently. Partey has expressed that his family’s happiness will be a decisive factor in his next move, emphasizing the importance of feeling at home and enjoying football.
Arsenal appear to be preparing for his departure by pursuing a £51 million deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is seen as a potential replacement. Despite Partey’s importance to the squad, his desire for a pay rise has reportedly been a sticking point, with Arsenal willing only to match his current salary.
Partey has been linked with interest from clubs in the Turkish Süper Lig, including Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, while Barcelona has also shown some interest. As Arsenal reshape their squad for the upcoming season, the midfielder’s exit would mark the end of a significant chapter in the club’s midfield lineup.
Manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged ongoing contract discussions with Partey but has left the final decision to the club’s management. Partey’s resurgence in form this season, including standout performances in the Champions League, had initially raised hopes for a renewal, but the stalled talks suggest a different outcome.
