Thomas Partey Reportedly Rejects Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Saudi Offers

Thomas Partey Reportedly Rejects Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Saudi Offers

  • Thomas Partey is ready to reject interest from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Saudi clubs to sign a new deal and remain at Arsenal
  • Arsenal are set to add Martin Zubimendi for £51m this summer, but the new signing is not expected to threaten Partey’s key role
  • With Jorginho expected to exit this summer, Arsenal cannot afford to let go another key midfielder

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Despite serious interest from European giants and financially dominant clubs in Saudi Arabia, Thomas Partey is ready to snub all advances and sign a contract extension with the North London side.

As Arsenal prepare for a crucial Premier League finale and continue to shape their squad for next season, the Ghana international appears set to deliver a major boost to Mikel Arteta by pledging his future to the club.

Thomas Partey reportedly rejects offers from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Saudi clubs and is ready to extend Arsenal contract
Thomas Partey reportedly rejects offers from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Saudi clubs and is ready to extend Arsenal contract. Image credit: Marc Atkins, Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
Source: Getty Images

Will Thomas Partey stay at Arsenal?

Partey, 31, is in the final stretch of his current Arsenal contract, which is due to expire on July 1.

With the midfielder eligible to negotiate freely with other clubs, speculation had mounted over a potential exit.

Spanish sides Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were reportedly monitoring his situation, while several Saudi Arabian clubs were prepared to offer him a massive financial package to lure him away from Europe.

Yet, according to reports from the Evening Standard, Partey has now made it clear that his priority is to remain in North London.

The former Atletico Madrid player has expressed a desire to stay and even hopes to finalize a new deal before Arsenal’s final league fixture against Southampton on May 25.

Thomas Partey's 2024/25 Premier League season

After an injury-disrupted 2022/23 campaign, Partey has enjoyed what many consider his most consistent and influential season since arriving at the Emirates in 2020.

His commanding presence in midfield has been crucial to Arsenal’s title challenge and European exploits.

Thomas Partey of Arsenal controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France
Thomas Partey controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between PSG and Arsenal FC on May 07, 2025. Image credit: Daniela Porcelli/Sports Press Photo
Source: Getty Images

Fans’ anxiety during his suspension for the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain underlined just how vital he has become to Arteta’s setup.

Partey’s blend of physicality, tactical intelligence, and ball progression has allowed him to anchor the midfield effectively, often serving as the pivot between defense and attack.

Despite his return to the side for the PSG vs Arsenal semis second leg, the Gunners failed to reach the 2025 UEFA Champions League final after losing 2-1 to Luis Enrique's side.

Can Martin Zubimendi displace Thomas Partey at Arsenal?

While Arsenal are actively looking to reinforce their midfield ahead of the next campaign, Partey’s position in the squad appears secure.

The club has reportedly agreed to a £51 million deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, a technically gifted Spanish international known for his composure and passing range.

Zubimendi’s arrival is viewed as a strategic reinforcement rather than a direct replacement for Partey.

With Jorginho expected to depart at the end of the season, Arsenal are preparing to maintain both quality and depth in central midfield.

Arteta sees Zubimendi and Partey as potentially complementary, offering varied tactical options depending on the opposition and game situation.

Will Arsenal extend Thomas Partey's contract?

Arteta has made no secret of his admiration for Partey and the role he plays within his team.

Speaking earlier this season, the Arsenal boss lauded the Ghanaian’s professionalism, leadership, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game.

With Arsenal set to return to the Champions League next season and ambitions of challenging for both domestic and European silverware, retaining an experienced head like Partey is seen as essential.

His decision to stay is also reflective of a growing belief among the Arsenal squad that the club is on the verge of something special.

A contract extension would not only reaffirm Partey’s commitment but also signal the club’s intent to compete at the highest level with a core of experienced and talented players.

In an exclusive chat, sports reporter Stephen Zando tells YEN.com.gh that he hopes Partey extends his stay at Arsenal.

''I personally wish Thomas extends his contract at Arsenal because I think he deserves it. He has worked hard for the team. When he is fully fit, he is simoly unplayable and he is one of the best in his position. However, I know everything now depends on the club and their policy. Partey will soon be 32 and it is not an ideal age for long term deal, that is for sure,'' he said.

English sports writer urges Arsenal to release Partey

YEN.com.gh earlier reported the strong opinion of an English sports journalist, who urged Arsenal to let Thomas Partey go when his contract ends.

According to LondonWorld sports reporter, Toby Bryant, the Ghana Black Stars midfielder has passed his prime, and that Arsenal need fresh legs in the defensive midfield role for the 2025/26 season.

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Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Gariba Raubil avatar

Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled content writer and journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments including two All Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 Women’s AFCON. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh