Thomas Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for a substantial fee of £45 million (€50m).
His arrival was met with high expectations as he was seen as the solution to Arsenal’s long-standing midfield issues.
Over the years, Partey has shown glimpses of his exceptional talent, becoming a crucial part of the Gunners’ midfield.
However, his time at the club has been marred by frequent injuries, which have interfered with his impact and consistency on the pitch.
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Partey’s departure set for 2025
Football Transfers reports that Arsenal have decided not to extend Thomas Partey’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, as the club considers his age and injury history in their long-term planning.
The decision has been made based on various factors, majorly his age and his injury-prone nature. Partey currently earns £200,000 per week, which is a huge sum for a player whose availability has been a recurring concern.
Last season, he missed over 25 games due to hamstring and groin injuries, which kept him out for 143 days. These prolonged absences have made it difficult for Arsenal to rely on him consistently.
The speculation surrounding Partey’s next move suggests that he may head to the Saudi Pro League after his Arsenal contract ends.
The league has become a popular destination for aging European stars looking for lucrative contracts, and Partey could be the latest to make the switch.
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Arsenal’s preparations post-Partey
Arsenal has been actively planning to reinforce their midfield in anticipation of Partey’s departure.
The club made a significant investment last season by bringing in Declan Rice, who has excelled in the heart of the midfield.
Additionally, Jorginho who was awarded a 1-year contract just recently, has provided solid backup, and Oleksandr Zinchenko has impressed as an inverted fullback, offering flexibility in the team’s tactical setup.
Moreover, Arsenal is reportedly in the advanced stages of securing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
This move is part of Arsenal’s broader strategy to rebuild their squad under Mikel Arteta, ensuring that the team remains competitive even as key players like Partey move on.
Partey’s departure will free up significant wages, allowing Arsenal to continue their squad overhaul and invest in new talent.
