Arsenal make final Thomas Partey 'decision' as deals near completion

A final decision appears to have been made about Thomas Partey's future at Arsenal.

The midfielder's contract with the Gunners is set to expire on Monday and talks have been underway for months in an effort to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Partey made 52 appearances for Arsenal last season and played a key role in helping the club reach the Champions League semi-final and finish second in the Premier League. The midfielder has gone on to make 167 appearances for the Gunners since he arrived from Atletico Madrid back in 2020.

Rumours about Partey's future have been swirling for months, as Mikel Arteta awaits a decision on whether or not he will have the midfielder in his ranks for next season.

The Athletic have reported, though, that Partey will leave Arsenal when his contract expires, with the final decision being made by the club's hierarchy.

Monday will mark the final day of Partey's current contract, after which point the Ghana international will then become a free agent and leave the Emirates.

Based on recent reports, Arsenal are already moving to replace Partey in their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Gunners will also be without Jorginho, who recently completed a move to Fluminense.

Arsenal are looking to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who has been tipped to complete a move to north London for more than a year.

Brentford star Christian Norgaard has also emerged as a potential target for Arsenal as the club looks to rebuild their midfield to prepare for not having Partey and Jorginho in their squad next term.

Partey's departure would also leave Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino as the only other midfield options in the first team before Zubimendi and Norgaard are confirmed as new signings.

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