Arsenal are prepared to offer Thomas Partey a new contract, although the deal is dependent on one specific condition, Arsenal Insider understands.
Reports emerged in January suggesting that Partey is likely to leave the North London club when his contract expires in the summer.
The Ghanaian is entering the latter stage of his career and has struggled with the intensity of the Premier League at times this season.
Martin Zubimendi is expected to sign for Arsenal, and there is a belief that the Spaniard will be Partey’s long-term replacement at the Emirates.
However, the former Atletico Madrid man’s spell in N5 may be set to continue, as a new twist in the saga has developed.
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Arsenal prepared to offer Thomas Partey a new contract on one condition
Arriving from Atletico Madrid for £45 million back in 2020, Partey has endured a turbulent stint at Arsenal.
The central midfielder has been excellent at times for the Gunners but has been plagued by injury for much of his spell in North London.
Making over 150 appearances for Arsenal, it was widely accepted that this would be Partey’s final campaign at the Emirates, as he turns 32 in January.
However, Arsenal Insider have been told that the club are ready to talk to the player about the prospect of him putting pen to paper on a new deal.
The Arsenal hierarchy appreciate the deep-lying playmaker’s versatility, with his ability to play at right-back a valuable asset in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
A new deal would, however, depend on Partey’s willingness to take a pay cut.
The club are only willing to table a new contract offer on the basis that the Ghana international accepts a significant wage decrease, which is said to be unlikely at this time.
Partey has significant interest from clubs in Spain and Italy, as well as the Saudi Pro-League, and thus has no reason to agree to lesser terms.
It’s likely that Arsenal envisage him playing a more sporadic role next season if he were to stay, explaining the proposed pay cut.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s stance on Martin Zubimendi transfer revealed as club eye ‘outstanding’ alternative
Arsenal shouldn’t offer Thomas Partey a new deal
Arsenal fans have been frustrated with Partey at various points this season, with his performances at right-back particularly infuriating the Gunners faifthul.
This antipathy likely points to a player who is in decline, with his physical attributes noticeably not at the levels they used to be.
The central midfielder has shown a surprising robustness this season, appearing in 26 of Arsenal’s 27 Premier League games – his second highest league appearance total since joining the club.
However, this new-found availability shouldn’t prompt Arsenal to offer him a new deal.
| Partey’s Premier League Statistics | ||
| Stat | 2022/23 | 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 33 | 25 |
| Goals | 3 | 3 |
| Assists | 0 | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87.2% | 87.7% |
| Key Passes per 90 | 0.94 | 0.67 |
| Progressive Passes per 90 | 8.37 | 6.25 |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.54 | 3.17 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.01 | 1.21 |
As shown in the data above, Partey’s underlying statistics have largely gotten worse since his best campaign in 2022/23.
While he’s doing marginally more defensive work, his passing numbers have significantly declined, and this was the aspect of his game that was superior to most other midfielders at his best.
It’s time for Arsenal to move on.
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