Arsenal are eager to sell some fringe players this summer for a financial boost, and midfielder Thomas Partey appears to be on the chopping block.
Although Partey started in the final few games of the season, it is clear that Mikel Arteta is not prepared to rely on him again after he missed most of the campaign through injury.
Fans have also noticed that the midfielder no longer has the same mobility which once made him a titan in midfield, and with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi linked, Partey could head for the exit door.
However, even if Arsenal want to sell Partey, and get rid of his high wages, there remains a problem in that there is a limited market for an ageing and injury-prone player, and the 30-year-old may not even want to leave.
Thomas Partey wants to stay at Arsenal this summer
Journalist Charles Watts has now revealed in his Daily Briefing that despite there being no talks over a new contract, Partey is keen on continuing at Arsenal.
“Unlike several other key players in the Arsenal squad, there have been no talks about a contract extension with the 30-year-old over the past 12 months and there is a belief that the club will look to move him on this summer,” he explained.
“But sources have confirmed that Partey’s desire is to remain with the Gunners and build on the performances he produced over the final weeks of the 2023/24 campaign when he finally returned to full fitness.”
Arsenal need to move on from Thomas Partey
Even when disregarding his injury record, Partey’s performances at the back end of the season showed why Arsenal need a midfielder to replace him as a priority.
Partey’s best attributes were his physicality and his ability to dribble out of the press in addition to his passing. He seems to have lost a physical edge with his injuries, and despite some glimpses of quality, he was targeted at times when in possession, which was never the case before.
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The trajectory of his performances seem to be heading in a downward direction, and with one year left on his deal, Arsenal should attempt to move him on even without a significant fee.
However, if Partey refuses to move, he would bring experience to the dressing room next season, but this should not deter Arteta from signing a replacement in midfield.