EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal give Partey final chance to save Gunners career

Steve Kay

28 Feb 2024 09:40 CST
4 min read

Thomas Partey, Arsenal, contract — © IMAGO

Arsenal are willing to give Thomas Partey a final chance to prove his fitness in the final months of this season, FootballTransfers has been told.

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The Ghana international has endured a season disrupted by injuries. Partey has been limited to just four Premier League appearances this term, missing 26 games so far due to hamstring and groin problems.

After four months out, the 30-year-old is close to returning and FootballTransfers understands that the next few months will be crucial for his Arsenal career.

We are told that if Partey can prove his fitness and regain his previous performance levels, Arsenal would be prepared to sit down with him at the end of the season and open talks over a potential contract extension. The midfielder's current deal expires in 2025.

Keeping Partey could be a shrewd move on the part of Mikel Arteta and company with a view to Financial Fair Play (FFP). A Partey back to his best could alleviate the need to bring in another midfielder, something Arteta has been keen on for some time.

Arsenal's summer business

Arsenal have been monitoring Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi for at least a year, but FootballTransfers understands that Liverpool could rival them for his signature. The Basque midfielder has a €60 million release clause, however, Arsenal will likely prioritise adding a new striker and a backup right-winger.

Strengthening both positions will require a significant financial outlay and it is imperative for the Gunners to save as much money as possible. Arsenal are still being watched closely because of FFP after spending big in 2023, having reported a loss of £52.1m (€60.8m) in their 2022-23 accounts, representing an increase from the £45.5m (€53.1m) loss a year ago.

Pedro Neto is a long-standing target for that right-wing position, but he will be anything but a bargain. As FootballTransfers exclusively revealed, Wolves will demand a club-record fee for his services.

Keeping Partey and raising funds from sales, such as Eddie Nketiah whom we revealed is being targeted by Fenerbahce, could help the Gunners balance the books ahead of what is bound to be another big summer window.