Thomas Partey's contract negotiations with Arsenal have hit an impasse, with the midfielder considering his options as his current deal expires at the end of this month. The 32-year-old has been offered a contract on slightly reduced terms, but he and his representatives are seeking a pay structure similar to his original deal signed in 2020 when he joined from Atlético Madrid for £45 million.
Partey, who made 52 appearances last season and played an integral role, is believed to have offers from Turkey and has been linked with Barcelona. Despite the impending arrival of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, which would provide direct competition, Partey is thought to prefer to stay at Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta recently expressed his desire for Partey to sign a new contract, calling his season 'exceptional'.
Meanwhile, teenage midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly is poised to sign a new long-term contract with Arsenal after a breakthrough season. The 18-year-old made 23 Premier League appearances and scored on his England debut. His new deal, negotiated by his mother and agent Marcia, will make him one of the best-paid teenagers in the world. Real Madrid had tracked him after his performances against them in the Champions League quarter-final.
Arsenal are also in talks over new contracts for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri, and Leandro Trossard, with the club confident of extending their deals. The search for a striker continues, with the agent of Benjamin Sesko denying reports that they had asked RB Leipzig to lower their £85 million asking price. Agent Elvis Basanovic stated that Sesko will only move when they recognise a 'special club, a special project with a special coach'.
