Arsenal Making Quiet Moves to Secure Core Midfielder for the Long Haul

Arsenal s Thomas Partey (C) celebrates his goal with teammates during a pre-season friendly football match against the Manchester United F.C. at Sofi Stadium.

Arsenal Making Quiet Moves to Secure Core Midfielder for the Long Haul

Festus Chuma 09:50 - 24.04.2025

Arsenal are in talks with Thomas Partey over a potential contract extension as the midfielder nears the end of his deal.

Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey could be set for a surprise stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Reports by The Athletic indicate that the Gunners are quietly opening talks over a new contract that could extend his North London stay beyond the summer.

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The 31-year-old’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, making him eligible to walk away as a free agent. Long seen as a likely departure, Partey’s resurgence in Mikel Arteta’s plans has shifted the narrative inside the club.

“Yes, there is progress with all the players,” said Arteta last week when asked if there had been any updates on Partey’s future.

“I'll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about.”

A key part of Arsenal’s midfield when fit, Partey has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons.

However, his recent return to regular action and the impact he has made when called upon have made a strong case for an extended stay.

Thomas Partey

Arteta, while remaining cautious with his words, hinted that the club wants to retain the experienced midfielder.

“The intention is very clear. I'll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward,” he added.

Behind the scenes, Arsenal have been weighing up the pros and cons of a new deal for the Ghana international.

The groin surgery Partey underwent in late 2023 is understood to have resolved his recurring injury issues, and the player is said to be happy in London, with his family well-settled.

Partey is open to remaining at Arsenal, with discussions revolving around a two-year contract or a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.

Despite the optimism, there’s awareness from both parties that if terms cannot be agreed, alternative destinations must be considered.

One dynamic that could influence negotiations is the expected summer arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

If the Spanish midfielder becomes a regular starter, Arsenal may hesitate to commit big wages to a rotation player. Partey currently earns around £200,000 per week.

The involvement of new sporting director Andrea Berta could be pivotal. Berta worked closely with Partey at Atletico Madrid and personally oversaw his £45 million move to Arsenal in 2020.

Should a renewal not materialize, interest in Partey is already building. Atletico Madrid have been linked with a reunion, Barcelona are reportedly monitoring his situation, and clubs in Saudi Arabia have also expressed interest in securing his signature on a free transfer.