Thomas Partey is now a wanted man…
Serie A heavyweights Juventus and AC Milan are prepared to battle tooth and nail for the Ghanaian international, with confirmation that he is set to leave Arsenal today, 30th June, as a free agent.
Arteta wanted him to stay
Towards the back end of last season, Mikel Arteta made it clear he hoped the 32-year-old would remain at the club.
Understandably so, Partey enjoyed a brilliant, injury-free 2024/25 campaign, delivering consistent, quality performances as the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield.
With four goals and three assists to his name, Gooners finally got to witness the version of Partey they were promised.
One could even argue it was his best Premier League season since arriving in 2020 for €50 million.
While the player reportedly felt he’d earned a pay rise, the club were reluctant to budge, preferring to retain their current wage structure in the new contract proposal.
No agreement was reached, and Partey will now depart on a free transfer.
Arsenal wasted no time planning for life after Partey
Partey is now free to negotiate one final lucrative deal, and his long-time admirers Milan and Juventus are circling, ready to offer terms he finds suitable, as per Football-Italia.
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are also in the mix, keen to add experience as they chase domestic dominance.
Back in North London, the Gunners have wasted little time lining up replacements.
A deal has reportedly been struck for Christian Nørgaard, with the Brentford captain expected to be unveiled following completion of a £10 million move.
That said, Martin Zubimendi is expected to be the true heir to Partey’s role.
The Spaniard brings positional intelligence, press resistance, and composure, some crucial attributes for a modern number six.
He may lack Partey’s physicality, but tactically, he looks a near-perfect long-term successor. In contrast, Nørgaard provides the steel and grit for tougher fixtures like St James’ Park away.
Partey’s next destination could soon become one of the biggest transfer headlines of the summer.
Do you think Arsenal will miss Partey next season?
Daniel O
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Big mistake Arsenal
I don’t think so. Because Partey can be (when fit) an influential player, I’m sure Arsenal will have weighed up carefully the pros and cons.
We don’t know how true reports are of Partey actually wanting improved terms to renew his contract, but if it’s true then it would be highly unlikely Arsenal would agree. We are, after all, talking about a 32-year-old with pretty persistent injury problems, aren’t we.
Definitely- Partey is exceptional-we’ll realise late that we made a big mistake by letting him leave. I’m astounded that we can buy Norgaad with so much money and yet not spend that on Partey- this smacks of racism for me. We going to regret this step.
for arsenal may not miss him cos out of 4 seasons with arsenal he only played only 1 season fully fit
No. Two seasons ago and the one before that one was much better for us than the last one. And in those season he strugled with injuries yet we performed very well, partey is good but he is not rodri. We will be fine
When a club gives up Partey who is a world class midfielder to sign up a 31 year old from a mid table
team then any logic has been thrown out of the window.
why would you pay 10+ mil to sign Norgaard and not keep Partey even in somewhat higher wages ?
We keep writing new rules in transfer bussiness.
Screwing around to reduce Sesko or Gyokers price by a few $$ and throwing away money in signing Norgaard.
Only with AFC
Is he world class ?
Yes he is @Dan.
You’re smart.
Looking at his body of work over 5 years I wouldn’t say he’s world class
If you named your best 11 in the world would he make it
What about the greatest Arsenal Prem 11
He’s been okay that’s about it
It’s a weird one with Partey. For some commenters on JA – whose opinions I particularly value – there is a real deep felt appreciation for his contribution and the concern that his departure will severely weaken the team. He hasn’t stood out sufficiently for me either Dan.
Well it’s interesting
The argument with Osimhen is why did only a club in Turkey want him if he is so good
So I am interested to see how many top clubs want Partey
Dan,
Regarding your Arsenal Prem 11 comment.
Emanuel Petit * Patrick Viera * Gilberto Silver * Edu * Ray Parlour * Paul Davis * Michael Thomas.
Whether they are all like for like is open to debate, but there 7 that would get in my 11 before Partey does. And there’s probably more to be honest. 👍
Partey may (or may not) once have been “a world class midfielder” who only seems to get remembered for the great times he’s played for us, overlooking some of his more recent game changing mistakes.
Apparently the club wanted him to stay, but he’s got himself a better deal elsewhere. Good luck to him, let’s all move on.
Went missing in lots of big games
Remember the title run in a few seasons ago
Form fell off a cliff
That’s what separates the good from the great players
Arsenal didn’t want to keep Partey, you can keep a player for his same salary for over 5yrs. Did he injured himself? This also send messages to others players who are getting injured that it will be subtracted from their future salaries
It’s dicey and might put pressure on the new players especially allowing most first team players who would have helped the new and younger players adjust into a new team.