Arsenal is on the verge of completing the sale of Thomas Partey, with details of the expected fee now emerging. According to reports, Partey’s replacement could be a player Manchester City had earmarked for a 2025 transfer.
Last summer, Arsenal considered selling Partey, 31, with potential moves to Saudi Arabia or Juventus on the horizon. However, Partey stayed in North London, but injuries limited him to just 16 appearances last season. With only one year left on his contract, his departure now seems inevitable.
The Gunners have no intention of extending Partey’s contract, making the current transfer window the perfect opportunity to sell. Interest from Saudi Pro League clubs has resurfaced, as transfer insider Rudy Galetti revealed that discussions about Partey moving to the Middle East have recently reignited.
While the specific club in Saudi Arabia isn’t confirmed, it is clear it will be one of the four PIF-backed teams: Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, or Al-Ahli. Last year, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli showed the most interest.
Reports indicate Partey’s transfer is progressing quickly. ESPN reported that he is close to finalizing his move, while Football Insider revealed that Arsenal could receive between £20m and £25m.
This fee is considerably lower than the £45m Arsenal paid Atletico Madrid four years ago, but it remains substantial for a player in his 30s, with a year left on his contract and recent injury struggles. As expected with moves to the SPL, Partey can anticipate a lucrative contract.
Partey’s exit will create space and financial flexibility for a younger replacement. According to Football Insider, Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is the leading candidate. The 25-year-old has been a long-term target for Arsenal and is available for a €60m (£51m) release clause.
Manchester City also recently expressed interest in Zubimendi, alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, for potential transfers in 2025. However, Arsenal could disrupt City’s plans by moving for Zubimendi a year earlier. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that this move is feasible.
Speculation exists that Zubimendi is content at his boyhood club and may decline a move even if Arsenal comes calling. Nonetheless, Romano suggests that Zubimendi’s future is not yet decided.
He stated, “We keep hearing a lot of stories about Martin Zubimendi, who has been linked several times mostly with Arsenal and Barcelona, while some outlets are now stating that he is unlikely to leave Real Sociedad as he is happy and settled in his hometown and not looking to leave the Basque region. However, my understanding remains is that this is not decided yet. Zubimendi’s future, his decision, is still not clear yet – it remains an open situation, and he has a €60m release clause.”
Arsenal remains optimistic about persuading Zubimendi to join them in North London. The Gunners are a rising force, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season.
Zubimendi would likely fit seamlessly into Mikel Arteta’s midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. This would see Jorginho move to a bench role, with Kai Havertz also an option for a more attack-oriented midfield trio.
