Thomas Partey Set to Stay at Arsenal Despite Barcelona Interest, Says Charles Watts
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is edging closer to signing a contract extension with the Gunners, with the “most likely” outcome being that he remains in North London, according to football journalist Charles Watts, speaking exclusively to Sports Mole.
Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, is approaching the end of the five-year deal he initially signed. With speculation surrounding a potential free transfer to Barcelona, Arsenal have now moved to retain one of their most experienced midfielders by offering him a fresh deal.
Arsenal Keen to Retain Partey After Impressive 2024-25 Campaign
Reports earlier this year confirmed that initial talks had begun between Arsenal and Partey’s representatives. The club is now more eager to renew his contract following one of his most productive seasons in an Arsenal shirt.
The 31-year-old defied his past injury troubles by making 52 appearances in all competitions in the 2024-25 season — the second-most of any Arsenal outfield player, behind only Leandro Trossard (56). His contribution of four goals and three assists from midfield has made a strong case for his continued presence at the Emirates.
Watts noted:
“Arsenal have offered him a contract now, which has come fairly recently, but it hasn’t been accepted. From my understanding, the most likely scenario still is that there will be an agreement because both sides are coming at it from wanting to stay.”
🚨 Barcelona are in talks with Thomas Partey over a free transfer this summer.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 4, 2025
The midfielder wants to stay at Arsenal but is exploring all options.
(Source: Sun Sport) pic.twitter.com/4dXOojvutF
Contract Talks Progressing, But Wages Remain a Sticking Point
While both Arsenal and Partey are reportedly aligned on their desire to continue together, financial terms remain a sticking point. Partey is among a small group of Arsenal players earning £200,000 per week or more, and the club is aiming to reduce his salary in a new deal.
Watts explained:
“Arsenal would prefer him to stay and Partey would prefer to stay in London. But it’s a complicated deal because Arsenal are trying to reduce his wages. Partey doesn’t want to reduce his wages — it’s his last big contract. And he has got interest from top clubs like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and even Saudi Arabia.”
Negotiations have been described as slow-moving, but a resolution is expected soon. As Partey is now free to speak with other clubs, Arsenal face pressure to reach an agreement swiftly.
Arsenal Considering Flexible Contract Options
Arsenal’s new contract offer is believed to include a one-year deal with an option for a second year. This structure would allow the club to manage risk, potentially maintaining Partey’s current wage in the first year and reducing it in the optional second year.
Watts weighed in on the situation:
“It’s tough. Can you really do that for a 32-year-old with the injury record he has? I know last season was great, but it’s a gamble. If Partey goes, you’d have to sign another midfielder. You can’t lose both Partey and Jorginho, and only bring in Martin Zubimendi.”
Jorginho’s free transfer to Flamengo adds urgency to the situation. Losing both players in the same window would severely weaken Arsenal’s options in the number six role, despite the likely arrival of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal worth around £51 million.
Zubimendi to Be First-Choice, but Squad Depth a Concern
If Partey does stay, Zubimendi is still expected to become Mikel Arteta’s first-choice defensive midfielder next season. However, without Partey, Arsenal could be left dangerously thin in the holding role.
While Declan Rice is capable of playing as a number six, he has thrived in the more advanced left eight role, delivering strong offensive performances over the past two seasons. Relying on Rice to drop deeper could limit Arsenal’s attacking potential.
Watts warned:
“You take so much out of your game if Declan Rice is playing at six. He’s been so effective further up the pitch. If Partey has one of his injury-hit seasons, suddenly you’re relying on Rice to fill that void, and that impacts the team’s balance.”
Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and even Ben White have been floated as emergency options in midfield, but Arsenal fans and pundits alike are wary of such gambles after the previous season’s tactical risks.
🗣️ Martin Zubimendi: "My future? It will be a long summer. I don't know how it will end.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 4, 2025
If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I've always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B.
If he called me now? I don't want to talk about… pic.twitter.com/rTZFmrwT5Y
Partey's Arsenal Legacy and the Road Ahead
Since arriving in a £42.5 million move from Atletico Madrid, Partey has made 167 appearances for Arsenal, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. Despite his talent, he has only lifted one major trophy with the club — the Community Shield.
With Arsenal shifting strategy due to Jorginho’s departure, the club appears more determined than ever to retain Partey, even if it means offering a short-term high-value contract.
Watts concluded:
“That’s why we’re seeing them change their stance. A few months ago, it seemed likely this would be Partey’s final season. Now, it looks like they’re trying hard to keep him.”
🚨 EXCLUSIVE from @EduardoHagn
— Sxnti (@PeakSxnti) June 1, 2025
I’ve spoken to some friends and Thomas Partey will STAY at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/ebvZlg3Bsl
Arsenal Transfer Plans: Focus on Midfield and Wide Attacker
In addition to sorting out Partey’s future, Arsenal are actively pursuing a new wide attacker during the summer transfer window. However, Watts issued a note of caution about one reported target, stating the player may be “past his best.”
The Gunners’ recruitment focus appears to be twofold: secure midfield stability with the likes of Zubimendi and Partey, and add depth in wide areas to support the frontline. With Champions League ambitions and a Premier League title challenge in mind, the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape Arsenal’s 2025-26 campaign.
