Thomas Partey makes Arsenal transfer decision amid exit twist after Martin Zubimendi 'agreement'

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Mikel Arteta wants both Thomas Partey and Martin Zubimendi in his Arsenal squad next season, football.london understands. The latter is set to arrive at Emirates Stadium from Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window with an agreement in principle reached over the last few days.

The future of Partey has been a hugely debated topic for well over a year with the expectation initially being that he would leave last summer in order for the Gunners to obtain a fee for his services.

However, no move materialised which saw the expectation become that he would depart as a free agent ahead of the 2025/26 season. That scenario playing out is now no longer a given, however, with talks over a potential new contract taking place.

His importance in big games for Arsenal has been clear this season with the protection he gives the back four and the freedom his inclusion allows Declan Rice not going unnoticed.

Despite that, he has also made a number of errors, with one of those coming against Paris Saint-Germain, which have cost Arsenal and that certainly explains why Arteta wanted further additions especially with the departure of Jorginho also set to take place.

Though Partey is in talks to continue his stint in north London, admiration from elsewhere has remained with multiple Saudi Pro League clubs taking an interest but the Ghana international is seemingly not quite as keen.

According to the Standard, Partey is ready to reject some big-money offers in order to stay at Arsenal. It has also been claimed the midfielder would like to see this situation resolved before the final game of the season, but it could very easily rumble on beyond that.

If no agreement can be reached, it is likely that Arsenal will sign another midfielder. Football.london understands that the Gunners would also like to bring in a wide forward, striker, back-up goalkeeper and defender.

Based on that, it looks set to be a busy few months for Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta with the Gunners boss making his feelings clear ahead of the summer transfer window.

Asked if he was excited about the upcoming trading period, Arteta said: "Very much, yeah. Already with the players that we have and having everybody fit and available, we are a super strong team.

"What we've done in the Champions League semi-final, we haven't done in 20 years in this football club with the actual players that we have right now. Very, very positive about it."

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