Arsenal show no desire to extend key midfielder’s expiring contract | OneFootball

Arsenal haven’t shown any desire to extend Thomas Partey’s contract so far, with the midfielder’s deal expiring next summer.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Arsenal’s Thomas Partey runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Ryan Taylor reports for the Mirror that Arsenal are yet to show an appetite to extend Thomas Partey’s contract, with the player’s current deal expiring in 2025.

Unless something changes, the 31-year-old will be free to talk to clubs overseas from January, and he’d be able to talk to other English clubs about a potential free transfer in May.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Lewis Dunk of Brighton is challenged by Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Taylor writes that given Partey’s high earnings and struggles to stay fit, Arsenal are sceptical about handing him another big-money deal.

The situation remains open, but Edu Gaspar is expected to prioritise signing a defensive midfielder next summer. From the outside, Arsenal certainly appear to be planning for Partey’s departure.

Though on that note, Taylor suggests interest in Martin Zubimendi appears to have cooled. For Arsenal to revisit the situation, it would seemingly take the Real Sociedad midfielder himself indicating that he’s ready to leave.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alaves at Reale Arena on January 02, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Due to Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino’s injuries, Partey’s inclusion has been somewhat mandated for the last few games.

But when those two players return, with Declan Rice also available in midfield, as well as Jorginho and impressive youngster Ethan Nwaneri, Partey starts to look surplus to requirements.

Given his wages and inconsistency, that’s not a player whose contract you extend.