Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey had been linked with a move away from the Emirates at the end of the season, however, talks over a new deal have already taken place
Arsenal have opened talks with Thomas Partey over a new contract in a bid to keep the Ghanian midfielder at the Emirates beyond the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign. The 31-year-old is currently free to leave when his current terms expire in the summer.
Partey had been expected to leave the club at the end of the season, four-and-a-half years after he moved to London from Atletico Madrid. But his return to the team has seemingly led to a change of heart and negotiations over a new deal are said to be ongoing.
As first revealed by The Athletic, discussions have already taken place between Partey’s camp and the Arsenal hierarchy. He would be happy to stay in London should the club offer him a new two year deal.
It’s said the midfielder would also consider a one year deal if the agreement included an option to extend for a further 12 months.
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But while Partey is happy at Arsenal, he is expected to keep his options open in case a deal does not materialise. He has previously been linked with a transfer abroad.
One factor that could affect both Arsenal and Partey’s position is the club’s desire to strike a deal for Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad playmaker who came close to joining the Gunners’ Premier League rivals, Liverpool, last summer.
Zubimendi is a long-term Arsenal target and is expected to finally move in the upcoming transfer window, with the Londoners in pole position to bring him to The Emirates.
Mikel Arteta gave little away when he was quizzed about a potential new contract for Partey recently, instead saying such matters were down to the club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta.
“Yes, there is progress with all the players. I’ll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about,” Arteta said.
He added on Partey and Berta, who have a previous relationship from their respective spells in Spain with Atletico Madrid: “The intention is very clear. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”
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