Talks to renew Thomas Partey’s contract at Arsenal have reached an impasse with multiple reports suggesting the Gunners are offering the midfielder a reduced salary something he is rejecting and now weighing up offers from other clubs.
The 32-year-old Ghana midfielder has been a key cog of Arsenal’s midfield and an injury free season proved his worth with the team struggling whenever he did not play.
These performances have cranked up pressure on the club from the supporters and they want Partey to be rewarded with another contract given his current deal expires at the end of this month (June).
Speaking at the end of the season coach Mikel Arteta said they wanted Partey to sign a new contract. “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,” he admitted.
Despite Arsenal sealing a deal for Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martín Zubimendi for his release clause of €60m (£51.2m), the departure of Jorginho to Brazilian side Flamengo has created another hole in the midfield.
Partey prefers to stay at Arsenal on exactly the same salary he is on when he joined the club for £45m from Atletico Madrid on 2020.
Clubs in Turkey and La Liga sides including Barcelona and his former employers Atletico Madrid are said to be weighing a move for him as a free agent.
