Arsenal: Partey Contract Stalls, Lewis-Skelly Deal Close
Arsenal faces a pivotal moment as Thomas Partey’s contract talks stall, while a new deal for Myles Lewis-Skelly is imminent. The gunners are at a crossroads, with Partey perhaps heading for the exit, despite manager Mikel Arteta’s desire to keep the influential midfielder. Concurrently, young star Lewis-Skelly is poised to secure his future. This is a developing situation, with implications for Arsenal’s midfield and its broader transfer strategy.News Directory 3 reports that the club remains active in the transfer market and is in pursuit of a new striker. Discover what’s next for Arsenal’s squad and their ambitions.
Arsenal Contract Talks Stall for Partey; Lewis-Skelly Set to Sign
Updated June 19, 2025
Arsenal’s efforts to secure key players for the future face a mixed bag of results. While young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract, negotiations with Thomas Partey have hit a snag.The club is also actively pursuing a new striker to bolster their attacking options.
Partey, 32, has been offered a new deal with slightly reduced terms, but he and his representatives are holding out for a similar salary to his original contract from 2020, when he joined from Atlético Madrid for 45 million pounds. He played an integral role for Arsenal last season, making 52 appearances. The midfielder is reportedly drawing interest from clubs in Turkey and has also been linked with Barcelona. Despite the potential arrival of Martín Zubimendi, Partey reportedly prefers to remain with Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta voiced his support for Partey last month. “Yes,” Arteta said when asked if he wanted Partey to sign a new contract. “I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really vital player for us.”
In contrast, 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly is set to sign a new contract after a breakthrough season. He made 23 Premier League appearances and scored on his England debut. Real Madrid had been monitoring Lewis-Skelly, but the long-term deal, negotiated by his agent, Marcia, will make him one of the best-paid teenagers globally.
Arsenal is also in ongoing contract discussions with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri, and Leandro Trossard. The club is reportedly optimistic about reaching agreements with these players.
Meanwhile, the search for a new striker continues. Elvis Basanovic,the agent for Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko,refuted claims that he had asked RB Leipzig to lower their 85 million pound asking price. “This is far from the truth,” Basanovic said. “We respect RB leipzig and I am 100% convinced RB Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it.”
Basanovic added that Sesko will only move from RB Leipzig “when we recognize a special club,a special project with a special coach. It can be next week … or next year, or in three years.”
what’s next
Arsenal will aim to resolve the contract situation with Thomas Partey while finalizing the deal for Myles Lewis-Skelly. The club will also continue its pursuit of a new striker as thay prepare for the upcoming season.