Black Star Spotlight: Is Thomas Partey’s Contribution Enough for Arsenal to Renew His Contract?

The 2024/25 season was poised to be a pivotal one for Thomas Partey as he entered the final year of his contract with Arsenal.

As Mikel Arteta’s inaugural signing, Partey marked the beginning of a transformative period at the club. Over five seasons, the Ghanaian midfielder has made 162 appearances in all competitions, though his tenure in North London has frequently been marred by injury issues.

Since his arrival, Partey has endured 11 distinct injuries, missing out on 81 matches. However, this season has heralded a notable shift in his fitness and performance.

So far, Partey has participated in an impressive 47 matches – the highest number he’s played in any single season with the Gunners.

In the Premier League alone, he has clocked 2,437 minutes on the pitch, ranking fourth among Arsenal players, and has exhibited a marked improvement in sharpness and dynamism.

His passing game has been particularly impressive, completing 1,486 passes (the second-highest at the club), including 365 progressive passes and 146 final third passes, placing him amongst Arsenal’s elite in this regard. Notably, his 33 passes into the penalty area rank fourth at the club this season.

Beyond just being fit, Partey’s presence on the field has positively impacted the performances of teammates like Declan Rice, a significant factor in Arsenal’s deep Champions League campaign.

His commanding performances, especially against Real Madrid, have been crucial as Arsenal chases their first Champions League title, with PSG awaiting them in the semi-finals.

On the offensive side of things, this has been Partey’s most prolific season yet, contributing four goals and two assists in the Premier League.

His long-range effort against Manchester City set the stage for a crucial win, while a goal against Brentford secured a vital point.

Partey has showcased his adaptability by starting nine matches at right-back during a period of defensive injuries.

Defensively, he leads the team with 32 interceptions and has won 48 tackles, both personal bests since joining Arsenal. His 120 ball recoveries are the third highest among his teammates this season.

Despite his impressive comeback, Arsenal are proceeding with caution in contract discussions, keeping in mind his age (31) and injury history.

Negotiations have begun, with the club reportedly offering a contract running until 2026, including an option for an additional year.

Partey is receptive to either a one-year extension with a choice or a straight two-year deal, and he’s content in London, although he is also considering approaches from top European clubs.

The final outcome could hinge on Arsenal’s performance in the season’s closing stages. If Partey plays a crucial role in securing silverware, extending his contract may be seen as a well-deserved reward.

With Jorginho poised to exit, losing both experienced midfielders for free would create a substantial gap that Arsenal would need to address, especially when their primary focus is bolstering their attacking options.

In conclusion, Partey’s revitalised form and vital contributions may prompt Arsenal to rethink their initial stance. While his age and previous injuries are considerations, his performances this season have made a strong case for remaining in North London.

The Black Star Watch is a compelling weekly column penned by Owuraku Ampofo, a seasoned sports journalist with over five years of experience covering Ghanaian players. This column aims to highlight patterns, address critical questions, and bring to light trending topics surrounding Ghanaian footballers.