Thomas Partey arrived at the Emirates as the most expensive Ghanaian footballer of all time and, at his best, offered qualities Arsenal had been missing for years. He became the closest the club had come to replacing Vieira, providing a midfielder capable of shielding the back four while also carrying the ball effectively under pressure. His ability to win possession and move through tight spaces made him a vital presence, and he also demonstrated his intelligence by stepping into the right-back position when needed and timing his movements well when drifting into midfield. The greatest compliment to him was that whenever he filled in at full back, his absence in midfield was immediately noticeable.
Arsenal’s Midfield Physicality
When fit, Partey gave Arsenal a level of physicality that had often been lacking. However, the keyword remained when. Across five years in England, the 32-year-old made more than 24 Premier League appearances only twice, meaning Arsenal saw glimpses of the Atletico Madrid version of Partey but not consistently enough. The irony was that the season in which he finally managed 52 appearances in all competitions was the one in which he entered the final year of his contract.
His injury record made it difficult for Arsenal to justify continuing to pay a player over 30 a salary of 200,000 pounds a week. When his agent requested a pay rise, negotiations effectively ended. His performances had been strong enough that an extension might once have been discussed, yet off-field issues made that unlikely.
The End of His Arsenal Tenure
Most within football understood that there were significant reasons a new deal was not offered, although the media were unable to report them at the time. While everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, Arsenal also operates as a business. With an employee speaking to police regarding serious allegations, ending the working relationship became a matter of protecting the club’s image.
Four days after becoming a free agent, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty and is on bail until a trial next November.
Dan Smith
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Arsenal steep decline post the legendary Arsne Wenger probably was akin to the downfall that Manchester united suffered when their legendary Scottish manager departed.
It was a massive statement of intent when Arsenal beat out Man United in signing Thomas Partey from Athletico Madrid, a world class player rarely injured, the writer is right, The Ghanaian international probably is the closest Arsenal has ever come to replacing Patrick Vieira, but the writer fail to point out, this was a player on top of his game sacrifice playing in Europe elite competition to play for Arsenal.
Surely the world class player, should have handled a little differently, as even with the signing of Zubimendi it is clear as day, Arsenal still in need of a player as Thomas Partey
Arsenal acted as professional and humane as any Club possibly could under the circumstances.
The Club stood by him throughout his tenure as an Arsenal player despite the criticisms.
And he was subsequently offered a contract of which he declined ,what more did you expect the management to do?
The stark reality is, we have come to realize not many players can carry water for the Ghanaian international, but how do you then justified giving Trosaard a pay rise, recognizing his contributions and not Thomas Partey?
Because of off the field issues
Arsenal are a business
Imagine if he had been charged still as an Arsenal player
Would dominate headlines and discussions
Gunsmoke,
Don’t forget that Partey had other issues to contend with.
Although a very good player, I personally think that it was best for the player and club to part ways in this instance. 👍
It was interesting he was charged four days after becoming a free agent, seems he was charged and convicted in a court of public opinion.
Hopefully Arsenal sign a like player in January, because if Norgaard can’t even start against Brentford, our midfield is one injury away from trouble.
Wasn’t meant as a reply 🙆
Gunsmoke. His lawyers had most likely been informed of the coming charges, so he made a quick departure.
People cant understand how good Partey was.
To put Thomas just under Pepe in the list proves that football is not as simple as it seems
Partey was a delight to watch when he’s fit. I have no doubt that had it been he started against PSG in the first leg Arsenal would have had CL trophy in our cabinet.
It was a bad business from arsenal letting him go for free all because of Zubi. You know Arteta. All his signings whether they are playing well or not must start. Harvertz is a typical example.
And whose fault was it that he didn’t start against PSG? Wasn’t he the one who got a needless yellow card against Madrid? And Rice rightly called him out for that poor decision.
The club didn’t let go of Partey because of Zubi. He was offered a new contract and he rejected it.
Wasn’t Partey also signed under Arteta? If all his signings must start,which includes Partey,then we’d be fielding a team of 20+ players and I’m not sure that is allowed in the Premier League.
Not to mention Partey had off-field issues which would have affected him and us.It was the best outcome to part ways given the circumstances.
Everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) considered it was right that Partey left when he did. We had the best of him; he was in decline, and probably much worse is to come.