Quality vs availability: Arsenal's decision on "outstanding" key midfielder.

It would be short-sighted for Arsenal to allow Thomas Partey to walk away this summer. The 31-year-old may not be the club’s long-term future, but he remains too important to the present to be discarded just yet.

Talks are reportedly underway over a contract extension, with Partey open to a two-year deal or a shorter agreement with an option. That alone suggests there is a path forward — and Arsenal must take it.

Partey’s impact on the pitch, when fit, has been obvious. His partnership with Declan Rice in midfield has given Arsenal a level of control and balance the club has not enjoyed since the days of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva, with Roy Keane once describing him as “outstanding” and highlighting his strength, aggression and ability to pass forward.

That is not simply nostalgic framing — it is backed by performances. In the 2-1 win over Real Madrid that sealed Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final victory, Partey and Rice completed 46 of 47 passes between them, highlighting the precision and security they offer.

Rice may now be the main man in midfield, but Partey is what allows him to be that. His positioning, reading of the game, and composure on the ball provide the defensive platform for Rice to push forward and for Martin Odegaard to operate without defensive burdens.

Without Partey, Arsenal are a different side — one with less authority in key areas of the pitch.

Partey’s versatility and professionalism have also been on display this season. He has deputised at right-back on several occasions, offering defensive stability and tactical discipline when called upon. However, his best work has undoubtedly come in midfield, where his performances have provided Arsenal with control, composure and a crucial defensive shield.

Julio Baptista captured it best when he said, “In Partey, Arteta has found a player that understands what he wants.” He added that while Partey is older, “age shouldn’t be a decisive factor… Players are much fitter these days.”

Baptista is right. Fitness and mentality are more relevant than the birth date on a passport, and Partey has consistently shown the mindset required to perform at a high level.

Andrea Berta, the new sporting director, is reportedly involved in the contract negotiations and has a strong relationship with Partey dating back to their time at Atletico Madrid. His arrival may be the best chance Arsenal have to convince Partey to stay. That relationship should be used wisely.

There may be interest from Juventus, Barcelona and clubs in Saudi Arabia, and there is speculation about potential midfield arrivals such as Martin Zubimendi.

But none of that should distract Arsenal from a simple truth: Partey is still good enough to help them win now. Letting him go for free would undo a lot of what the team has built over the last few years.

If Arsenal are serious about competing on multiple fronts, retaining Thomas Partey is not a luxury — it is a necessity.

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