Arsenal are inching closer to reaching an agreement for Real Sociedad’s defensive midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, a move which most likely signals the end of Thomas Partey’s Arsenal career.
Thomas Partey’s current Arsenal deal runs out in the summer, with a host of clubs queuing up for the signature of the midfielder.
Barcelona are widely reported to be eyeing a deal for the midfielder while Partey has suitors in the Middle East, with Jose Mourinho’s Fenebarche also genuine candidates.
According to reports, Arsenal are in pole position to land Zubimendi, who has a €60m release clause.
The addition of Merino to Arsenal’s team from Real Sociedad last summer raised questions about Partey’s role in the team and Arteta’s desire to keep the midfielder.
Merino, who is a central midfielder, has, however, found life difficult at the Emirates, spending time out of the Arsenal team with injury before scoring his first league goal against Liverpool some weeks after.
But the latest development, the impending arrival of Zubimendi, all but confirms that Arsenal are not going to renew Partey’s contract.
Arsenal are expected to land Zubimendi in the summer, the exact time Partey becomes a free agent.
Declan Rice, Mike Merino, and Zubimendi, if he arrives, are all options who can fit in Partey’s position (defensive midfield).
Although the 31-year-old Ghanaian is sometimes deployed as a makeshift right-back in games, his lack of pace exposes him.
Partey’s time at Arsenal, since he joined from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has been significantly plagued by injuries, spending ample time on the sidelines than in games.
However, there’s been an element of consistency to his game this season, playing 25 times and scoring twice.
When pressed upon Thomas’ contractual situation in November, Arteta said.
“He is showing consistency at the highest level, again because his availability and the way that he feels physically is allowing him to do that, and I am very pleased with that. We will have the right time to discuss about the situation.”
Partey is among Arsenal’s highest earners; reported to be earning around £200,000.
With age not on his side, and his woeful injury record, taking him off the wage bill will be a viable option the Gunners will be looking to exploit.
