Arsenal has been in conversation with Thomas Pidey about a new contract since April, but 32-year-old Ghana International is now ready to leave the club next week as a free agent
Thomas Partey is ready to leave Arsenal after the club has not reached an agreement on a new contract for the midfielder. The Gunners liked to be Partey, but he will now leave when his contract ends on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta publicly spoke about his desire to keep the 32-year-old, who played a key role in the 2024/25 campaign. But the negotiations have gone through and with his current deal that ends on 30 June, they finally decided to stop.
Arsenal opened conversations for the first time about an extension in April, but has already connected the gap he is about to leave. Martin Zubimendi will take a transfer of £ 51 million from Real Sociedad next month and De Gunners also offered £ 9.3 million for Brentford Captain Christian Norgaard after Jorginho also left for a free transfer for Flamengo.
Partey has been free to talk to foreign clubs since January and is linked to a move to Fenerbahce, which are managed by Jose Mourinho, and has offered a contract with a big money in the Saudi Pro League. He has been with Arsenal since 2020, when he arrived from Atletico Madrid for £ 45 million and has made 167 performances in all competitions.
Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta, who used to work in Partey's Old Club Atleti, was the man who was responsible for agreeing new conditions for Pedey. But the club has now decided to run away from the negotiating table.
In April asked if progress had been made for a new deal for Pedey, Arteta said: “Yes, there is progress with all players. I will leave that to Andrea and the club to decide and talk about.”
Pushed whether it is intended to hold Partey, he added: “The intention is very clear. I will leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”
The relocation of Arsenal for Zubimendi has been delayed because Real Sociedad wants to bank transfer costs in the new financial year for football, which starts on 1 July. The Gunners have long negotiated with the Spanish side to protect a favorable deal in terms of distributing costs.
In the meantime, Arsenal still wants to sign a center-forward in the summer transfer window, with RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko preferred before Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres. Arteta also wants to strengthen his options in the broad positions, with Ebereechi Eze from Crystal Palace on the Radar, together with Real Madrid's Rodrygo.
They close a deal for a deal for Valencia defender Crithian Mosquera, although their opening offer was depressed by the Spanish side. But a £ 5 million deal for Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue soon.