What Mikel Arteta must tell Thomas Partey in new ‘face-to-face’ Arsenal meeting, it’s key for the transfer policy

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Thomas Partey is yet to decide whether to accept the contract offer he has on the table from Arsenal or to move elsewhere this summer.

The Gunners offered Partey a new deal back in May, as Andrea Berta looked to tie the Ghanaian down for at least another year at the Emirates.

However, reports emerged last week suggesting that Partey is now more likely to leave Arsenal as he’s not happy with the terms of the prospective new deal.

The midfielder has interest from other clubs, including Barcelona and the Saudi Pro-League, with a decision expected to be made within the coming weeks.

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Thomas Partey set to hold face-to-face meeting with Mikel Arteta

Arsenal Insider revealed last week that Partey has never been particularly close to signing a new contract at Arsenal, as he’s always been considering the various options available to him.

That said, Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba now reports that the 32-year-old is set to hold a face-to-face meeting with Mikel Arteta about his future.

Partey is said to want to remain in N5, while the North London club want to keep hold of him, but there are disagreements over the financial package on offer.

Arsenal aren’t prepared to offer the player a pay rise, which he and his camp had expected in any potential new deal.

Ultimately, one of the two parties will have to fold, or they’ll have to reach a compromise.

That said, the imminent arrival of Martin Zubimendi will restrict Partey’s game time next season, and this decline in prominence within the squad is likely to deter the player from staying.

Laba claims there’s a ‘90%’ chance the Ghana international walks through the exit doors at London Colney.

Mikel Arteta must stay firm on Thomas Partey wage stance

Arteta has to remain staunch in his stance regarding Partey’s wages in this face-to-face meeting.

Arsenal are willing to allocate big wages to Rodrygo, or whoever else they opt to sign to elevate the level of their attack, and this investment will require the wage structure to be shuffled around in other areas of the squad.

Partey was already earning a purported £200,000 a week at Arsenal (via Capology), a wage that is reflective of someone who will start the majority of matches.

Given he’d likely play a lot less next season if he stays, bumping this salary up would be a poor use of resources and would potentially restrict Arsenal’s ability to invest in their attack.

Berta must leave room for hefty wage packages to be allocated to an incoming winger and striker, and thus, Arteta has to tell Partey he cannot receive a pay rise, even if that means the player walks away for free.