Arsenal’s contract talks with Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey have reportedly stalled—making his Emirates exit look increasingly likely. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations over a contract extension are “not advancing,” with sources describing the situation as “very complicated.”
Partey’s current contract expires at the end of June 2025, at which point he will become a free agent unless a dramatic late agreement is reached. Despite speculation that the player’s representatives were pushing for a wage increase, Arsenal appear reluctant to improve his £200,000-a-week salary—especially considering his past injury record, age profile, and impeding signing of Martin Zubimendi.
Partey vs Zubimendi vs Declan Rice – Who Starts For Arsenal?
Martin Zubimendi
It’s no longer a secret—Arsenal have long admired Martin Zubimendi, and the club is now closer than ever to landing him. Despite rumors that Real Madrid might hijack the move, the Gunners remain confident and are expected to trigger his £51 million release clause and bring the Spanish midfield engine to the Emirates.
At 26 years old, Zubimendi is entering his prime and is regarded as one of the best deep-lying midfielders in European football. Arsenal are not spending that money for him to warm the bench—especially not after missing out on him previously to Liverpool in earlier windows.
On June 19th, Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Arsenal will pay Real Sociedad just above 60 million Euros for the purchase of Martin Zubimendi.
Declan Rice
Then there’s Declan Rice, Arsenal’s £105 million signing from West Ham United. Rice has been nothing short of a revelation since joining, bringing leadership, energy, goals, assists, free kicks, chances and defensive security to the midfield. Many fans have even begun calling for him to be the club’s next captain.
Benching Rice is not an option—his importance to Mikel Arteta’s system is crystal clear.
Thomas Partey
Now 32, Thomas Partey has had a stop-start Arsenal career, with his initial seasons at the club being plagued by recurring injuries.
Despite moments of brilliance, his high wages, possible decline in physicality, and reduced role in the squad raise valid questions about his long-term value at Arsenal.
Why Arsenal Can’t Rely on Thomas Partey: Availability Remains His Biggest Weakness
Here’s a breakdown of his Premier League starts per season:
| Season | Premier League Starts | Missed Matches |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 24 | 14 |
| 2021–22 | 24 | 14 |
| 2022–23 ✅ | 33 | 5 |
| 2023–24 | 14 | 24 |
| 2024–25 ✅ | 31 | 7 |
✅ = Seasons with 30+ PL starts
BBC: Zubimendi To Replace Partey
According to BBC journalist Emlyn Begley, Zubimendi is being lined up to directly replace Partey in Arsenal’s midfield.
“Zubimendi is set on Arsenal, where he is likely to take the role of Thomas Partey – whose contract is expiring and future uncertain,” reported Begley.
You can read the full report here:
🔗 BBC Sport – Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal
In that context, offering Partey a new deal while spending big on Zubimendi makes little financial sense. Arsenal cannot afford to pay top wages to a midfielder destined for a much reduced role.
ESPN’s sources say Thomas Partey will leave Arsenal this season.
Champions League Clash Highlighted Midfield Concerns
Arsenal’s 2024 Champions League quarterfinal against PSG exposed their midfield vulnerabilities when Partey isn’t available. He picked up an avoidable yellow card in the first leg, ruling him out of the return fixture—a costly absence.
His deputy at the time, Jorginho, now 33, often struggled to match the intensity of Europe’s top midfields. And with the Italian veteran gone, Arsenal’s need for a reliable, physical, and technically gifted defensive midfielder has never been greater.
Verdict: A Midfield Shift Is Underway
All signs point to a midfield reshuffle at the Emirates. With Partey likely to leave, Zubimendi on his way in, and Declan Rice locked into the starting XI, Mikel Arteta is building a new core.
This isn’t just a transfer update—it’s a tactical evolution. And for Arsenal fans, the midfield battle will be one of the most exciting narratives heading into the new season.
Leave a Reply