Arsenal Set to Offer Thomas Partey New Contract with Revised Salary Structure

Arsenal Football Club is reportedly preparing to offer midfielder Thomas Partey a new contract, featuring a different salary structure compared to his current deal, as they aim to secure the future of the Ghanaian star. Partey, whose contract runs until the summer of 2026, has been a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s midfield when fit, but his injury history has sparked debates about his long-term role at the club. With interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Spain, Partey is carefully assessing all options, while Arsenal’s renewed commitment signals their determination to keep him in North London.

A Key Player with an Injury-Prone Past

Since joining Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in a £45 million deal in October 2020, Thomas Partey has showcased his quality as a versatile and commanding midfielder. Known for his physicality, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the tempo of games, Partey has been a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s system when available. This season, the 31-year-old has featured in 17 matches across all competitions, including 13 appearances in the Premier League, demonstrating his importance to a team chasing silverware.

However, Partey’s time at Arsenal has been plagued by recurring injuries, particularly muscular issues, which have limited him to just 107 Premier League appearances over four and a half seasons. Last season, he missed significant time due to groin and hamstring injuries, raising questions about his reliability. Despite these setbacks, Partey has shown resilience, returning to form this campaign and earning praise for his performances in Arsenal’s midfield alongside Declan Rice.

A New Deal to Reflect Value and Caution

Arsenal’s decision to offer Partey a new contract with a revised salary structure suggests a pragmatic approach. While the specifics of the proposed deal remain undisclosed, it’s likely the club is looking to balance Partey’s undeniable quality with the risks posed by his injury record. The new structure could involve a lower base salary with performance-based incentives, such as bonuses tied to appearances, goals, or team achievements. This would allow Arsenal to retain a high-caliber player while mitigating financial exposure if injuries persist.

The move also reflects Mikel Arteta’s faith in Partey’s ability to contribute to Arsenal’s ambitions. With the Gunners competing in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, depth and experience in midfield are crucial. Partey’s ability to play as a No. 6 or No. 8, combined with his leadership on and off the pitch, makes him a valuable asset in a squad aiming to challenge for major honors.

Partey’s Options: Stay or Go?

While Arsenal are keen to extend Partey’s stay, the player is taking his time to evaluate his options. Interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al Hilal and Al Ahli, emerged in the summer, with the promise of lucrative contracts that could tempt the midfielder. Turkish clubs have also been linked, while Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad were previously mentioned as potential destinations, though no firm offers have materialized recently.

Partey’s openness to discussions with Arsenal indicates he values his role at the club, where he has become a fan favorite and a key part of Arteta’s project. However, at 31, he is at a career crossroads, and the prospect of a high-paying move to a less competitive league or a return to La Liga could appeal. His decision will likely hinge on Arsenal’s proposed terms, his confidence in maintaining fitness, and the allure of new challenges elsewhere.

Arsenal’s Midfield Strategy

The decision to pursue a new deal for Partey aligns with Arsenal’s broader midfield strategy. While Declan Rice has been a transformative signing and young talents like Ethan Nwaneri are emerging, Partey’s experience and unique skill set remain difficult to replace. The club’s pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in recent transfer windows suggests they are planning for the future, but retaining Partey could provide continuity and stability in the short term.

Mikel Arteta has consistently praised Partey’s professionalism and impact, noting his ability to elevate the team’s performance. With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts, keeping a player of Partey’s caliber could prove crucial, especially if the new contract mitigates financial risks.

What’s Next?

As negotiations loom, all eyes will be on how talks progress between Arsenal and Partey’s representatives. No timeline has been reported for when a decision might be reached, but the club’s proactive approach suggests they are eager to resolve his future before external interest intensifies. For Partey, the coming months will be pivotal as he weighs his legacy at Arsenal against the potential for a new chapter elsewhere.

For Arsenal fans, the prospect of Partey signing a new deal is a boost, though tempered by the need for him to stay fit. If the club can secure him on favorable terms, it would underscore their ambition to blend experience with youth in pursuit of major trophies.