Arsenal Star Thomas Partey Heading for Exit as Contract Talks Collapse
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is now expected to leave the Emirates Stadium after refusing to lower his contract demands, according to reports from Football365. The 32-year-old featured 52 times across all competitions for Arsenal last season, scoring four goals, and was a key player for the team.
In an interview last May, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his desire to keep Partey at the club, stating: "Yes, I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us." Arteta remains one of Partey’s biggest supporters and has been a driving force in efforts to keep him at the club.
Partey signed a five-year contract when he joined from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45million, and that deal is set to expire at the end of June. Arsenal have been in talks with Partey for several weeks, but he is currently on the club’s released list. According to Football365, those talks have reportedly hit an ‘impasse’, with the player ‘heading for the exit door’.
The Gunners are willing to offer Partey the same salary he is currently on (£200,000 a week, per Capology), but the midfielder is seeking a pay rise. European giants are now ‘circling’, and Partey has ‘held talks’ with Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho and new AC Milan boss Max Allegri. There is a ’50/50′ chance the ex-Atletico star will leave Arsenal on a free transfer, according to Football365.
"It’s noted that the club are holding firm on plans to offer the same salary to the 32-year-old, who wants a wage increase," Football365 reports. "Partey’s agent has already informed Arsenal that the player will leave if no increased offer arrives." Arsenal had not planned for Partey to stay beyond this summer, but the decision of Jorginho to leave has led them towards seeking an agreement with the veteran midfielder.
For now, there is a 50-50 chance that Partey stays, but if he does leave, a replacement has already been lined up, according to Football365. The news comes as a blow to Arsenal, who have already lost Jorginho to Flamengo and are in the process of signing Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi. The loss of Partey would make the addition of another midfielder essential for the team.
Arsenal targets dominate list of the best available strikers this summer and the club is ‘very calm’ in the face of Real Madrid threat for thriving star with ‘conversation’ ongoing. With the transfer window heating up, Arsenal fans will be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding Partey’s future at the club.
According to Football365, there are still hopes of a contract extension, but those talks have reportedly hit an ‘impasse’. The report adds that Partey’s agent has already informed Arsenal that the player will leave if no increased offer arrives. This development will be a concern for Arteta, who has made it clear that he values Partey’s contributions to the team.
MORE: Sesko, Gyokeres, Watkins: Which striker should Arsenal sign? The club will be looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, and the potential departure of Partey will be a significant factor in their transfer plans.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal is uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether the club can persuade him to stay.
The Gunners have been linked with several midfield targets, and it is likely that they will make a move to sign a replacement if Partey does leave. With the transfer window open, Arsenal fans will be eagerly anticipating the club’s next move.
In related news, transfer rumour power ranking: Osimhen to Liverpool in swap deal makes sense…
For more information on this story and other Arsenal news, visit Football365.
