Uncertainty surrounds Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey‘s future at Arsenal, with the club reluctant to renew his contract beyond this season. The 31-year-old’s contract is set to expire in less than four months.
Arsenal are already preparing for life without Partey, pursuing Spanish international and Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martín Zubimendi as a potential replacement. Their midfield already features Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.
However, Partey’s compatriot and former Ghana national team striker Anthony Yeboah believes that Arsenal are making a mistake by not offering the midfielder a contract extension.
“He (Partey) has arguably been their best player this season, alongside Gabriel Magalhães and David Raya. For me, that alone should warrant a new contract without hesitation,” Yeboah said in an exclusive interview with The Nerve Africa.
In a season plagued by injuries, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has utilized Partey in multiple roles, including midfield and right-back. He has made 39 appearances, contributing three goals and two assists.
“Imagine what would have happened to Arsenal this season without Thomas, especially with all those injuries. He has been invaluable in the multiple roles he has played, and he has done so without complaints,” added Yeboah, who previously played for Eintracht Frankfurt, Leeds United, and Hamburger SV.
“For me, he still has two to three more seasons at the top level. He still has a lot of football to offer, and if it were up to me, a new contract would already be on the table. I think Arsenal can still benefit from his services,” he remarked.
With Arsenal making no progress on Partey’s contract renewal, several clubs have reportedly expressed strong interest, including Barcelona, a potential return to Atlético Madrid, and a move to Saudi Arabia.
Yeboah believes that a return to Atlético Madrid would be the best move for Partey if Arsenal decide to let him go.
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“For me, if Arsenal let him go, then Atlético Madrid would be the most fitting destination, He is loved at Atlético Madrid, with a coach (Diego Simeone) and a fanbase that understands and appreciates him. His playing style perfectly fits Atlético’s system, and he would walk straight into the team and make an immediate impact,” he added.
During his nearly five-year spell at Arsenal, Partey has made 154 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. He previously played 188 matches for Atlético Madrid between 2015 and 2020.
