"It’s up to my agent and the club" - Arsenal star hints at exit amid Barcelona interest

Thomas Partey has provided an update on his future at Arsenal amid speculations that he could leave the club and join Barcelona as a free agent this summer. The Ghanaian international revealed his family will be the decisive factor when making a decision on his future.

Partey has been at the Emirates Stadium since 2020, and his current deal with the Gunners is set to expire by the end of this month.

Taking a holistic view, Partey’s time at Arsenal has been disrupted by injuries. However, the 31-year-old played an integral role in Mikel Arteta’s squad last season, registering 52 appearances across competitions.

Amid Partey’s uncertain future, Mikel Arteta is keen on strengthening his midfield ranks, and the north London club has been linked with a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

In a recent interview with 3Sports, Thomas Partey was quizzed on Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi and if it will impact his decision to continue playing at the Emirates, to which he responded:

“I think the first thing is if you are happy and feel at home, what your next objective is and what you want to achieve next. You have to consider all these because at the end of the day we all have a family that will say ‘oh! We need money.’ Because this is our mind. We’re not getting younger. So, you have to consider a lot of things—where you want your family to be, if you are happy, and if your family is safe. When you are young, you just go anywhere.”

When he was further pressed on what he has to say to fans who want to see him extend his stay, he said:

“I can’t decide anything and it’s up to my agent and the club. Me, I just want to enjoy football.”

Thomas Partey says last season was his best at Arsenal

In the same interview, Partey also agreed that the 2024-25 campaign was his best season since he joined Arsenal.

When asked if he agreed with the notions from fans that last season was his best season, he gave an affirmative response, saying:

“Yeah [it was my best season], I think they will say about the availability because I was available throughout the whole season. But I will say every moment, every year, or every time in training, I feel like I’ve been at my best. I can’t count how many games that I didn’t give all my best. Sometimes, it may go bad but I feel like in every game, I go all out and try to give my best. So, I feel happy. I think with or without injury which is part of it, I have given my best.”

Across competitions last season, Partey registered seven goal contributions for the Gunners.