The future of Thomas Partey is up in the air. Currently, the Ghanaian international is more out than in, as talks continue to stall over new contract terms. Widely expected to sign a new deal, credible reports in the last few days have suggested otherwise. The player’s contract is up in just over a week. An agreement could still be reached beyond that date, but the club is in a race against time as clubs circle for the former Atlético man. There is mutual respect between the two parties, but Arsenal are treading cautiously due to his age, 32. A deal could yet be struck in the coming days, but as it stands, Partey is leaving the club.
Arsenal exploring diverse midfield options
A strong indicator of Partey’s likely departure is Arsenal’s growing interest in multiple midfield profiles. From Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard to Sevilla’s Lucien Agoumé, the Gunners have been linked with a wide range of defensive midfielders in recent days.
With this in mind, and particularly looking at the interest in a player like Nørgaard, should the Gunners focus on experience or youth when choosing a replacement for the potentially outgoing Ghanaian?
In Martín Zubimendi, Arsenal have found the perfect defensive midfielder, with the blend of Partey’s presence and Jorginho’s distribution. As a result, the Spaniard will likely be the undisputed first choice in the number six role, flanked by Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. That said, Partey’s replacement will need to accept a bit-part role behind Zubimendi, but does that mean the club should target experience over youth?
Should Arsenal target youth or experience?
The interest in 31-year-old Nørgaard suggests Arsenal are weighing all options. Prioritising youth aligns with the club’s broader transfer policy, but comes at a literal cost. Players approaching their prime often command hefty fees. By contrast, experienced players are typically cheaper, which is important as Arsenal look to address more pressing areas like the forward line.
Moreover, the loss of both Jorginho and Partey would leave a void in experienced leadership within the squad. Adding a seasoned midfielder would help maintain balance and offer depth behind Zubimendi without requiring regular starts.
If experience is the shrewder route, wouldn’t it make more sense to simply extend Partey’s contract? That would eliminate the need to dive back into the market and allow the club to concentrate fully on bolstering the attack.
Of course, it’s rarely that simple. There are likely many moving parts behind the scenes, and time is running out.
What do you think, Gooners? Should Arsenal prioritise experience or youth in replacing Partey?
Benjamin Kenneth
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Well we’ve already replaced him with experience, with Zubi coming in, so I think a young up and coming player would be ideal.
I really like the look of Wharton from Palace, but I fear he would cost too much for what is effectively a squad role.
If we went with experience, let’s bring Santi back!
Lucy78,
I assume you meant bring Santi back in a coaching capacity. 👍
He was one of my favorites when he was here as a player. But although he’s still playing at 40, I think the premier league now is not the place for him in a playing capacity, but as a coach yes every day of the week. 👍
The new CDM must have plenty of playing experience in the same position, because he’ll become one of our GK’s main outlets to escape the opposition’s high-press and become one of our playmakers
Rice and Merino could also play CDM
@Gai
I would have preferred Rice to continue his box to box role as NO8 he has a lot of energy and very atlethic. Merino is also a good NO8 because he is good in the box but too slow for my liking as a NO6 often lose the balls in dangerous areas. Having watcged and follow Zubimendi few games, he plays like Neves of PSG he can play well from the back with good technical abilities than Pathey and quite defensive. But for Epl, he isnt too physical and diminutive imo, he will be a minust at Aerial ball unlike Pathey. I wish we could retain Pathey.
Yeah, I think Arteta will keep Rice in the left-sided AM position
Partey seems to be leaving Arsenal, so we’d better sign a new CDM. Perhaps Timber could persuade his brother to join us
Either is fine, as long as they’re good enough to do the job when called upon and won’t get fed up if they’re not in the first team by Christmas.
Sambi Lokonga anyone ?
I work in one of the most successful companies in the world. I am 60+ and the youngest ones are 25. Mixed experiences is one of the key factors for the successes.
That is why I think Partey should stay because of his exceptional all around ability
I think wages is the sticking issue for Partey’s renewal.
Heard he insists on a wage increase, but Arsenal want to maintain his 200k current pay.
If that is true, I support the club’s stance.
Who to get ? older player with premier league experience.
Agree on Partey – he’s a top player imo but clearly on the decline, so I think offering to maintain his wages is more than fair (if that’s the case, who knows). I suppose you could argue there aren’t many players out there who can do what he does, but I think we’d say zubimendi can, so we don’t need to be desperate.
Lots of stories about Partey one wonders if we are reacting to the truth of anything we are told. One time he’s refused a cut and now he wants a raise …… ànd aren’t we abusing a resource we are meant to need whatever a possible extension might be?
Or rather quietly let the fellow leave than all this abuse.
The other day we celebrated the departure of Xhaka and we’re yet to effectively replace him.
£220k won’t kill us. Would it ?
£200k a week, how doe’s Partey survive. I say lets all have a whip round.😂🤦♂️
Better with partey in the team than not. He’s obviously going now we have signed noorgard but personally would have kept him
We need experience but not over 30 and not another DM. We need a creative midfielder who can play along odegaard or sub in for him. No more project.
I thought Zubimendi is to be Partey’s replacement and either of the two mentioned would be a back up, so in effect a replacement for Jorginho ?
I thought I’d go for youth, but I just read somewhere that Douglas Louis, 27, ex-Villa, now at Juventus, may be available at cut-price.
That could be a good option. After all Arsenal had courted him in the recent past. His Premier League experience could be invaluable, and his age is not bad
Luiz would be a great option. He would be ~30m according to reports, which is probably a good deal, but means we’d be spending 85m on defensive midfield when we have several needs. If Lucien Agoumé is all he’s cracked up to be – and we can get him for 20m – I’d want to check that option first, though I admit I know nothing really of the player. 10m to spend elsewhere is not to be sneezed at.
If you are good enough, you are old enough.
Personally, my opinion might not be a very agreeable one.
My first choice player to replace Partey would be Wilfred Ndidi, of Leicester, he’s 28, had lots of experience in the English leagues, and can basically do almost everything Partey can at this point…and more importantly will come at a way cheaper price that most other targets
It now appears that Thomas Partey is now leaving Arsenal on a free transfer after not being able to agree terms to extend his contract
I have always been a supporter of Partey; however I am now disappointed in him. To be honest Partey had an excellent season last season being arguably Arsenals best midfilder, in my view restoring the faith the Club had shown in him, basically carrying him wage wise after 2 injury prone seasons. At his age, Arsenal is right to now move on, as Partey wants to maximise his earning potential at the trail end of his career, believes he owes Arsenal nothing and Arsenal has no guarantee that Partey will have the same availability as last season.
good take my friend.
a very good take on the whole Partey scenario.
The way you describe it is practically astonishing.