Thomas Partey Leaves Arsenal After Five Seasons

T. Partey has officially departed Arsenal following the expiration of his contract on June 30, 2025. The Ghanaian midfielder exits the club after five influential seasons, having failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension. His departure marks the end of a key chapter in Arsenal’s midfield era under Mikel Arteta.

Partey joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a fee of £45 million and quickly established himself as a core part of Arteta’s tactical setup. Known for his ball-winning ability, tactical discipline, and leadership, he was one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers in both domestic and European campaigns.

 
Partey's Final Season in Numbers

In the 2024–25 season, Partey made 52 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his versatility by filling in not just as a holding midfielder but also at right-back when injuries struck. Despite his consistency, Arsenal and the 31-year-old were unable to agree terms on a renewal, leading to his exit as a free agent.

 
What's Next for Partey?

Now a free agent, Partey is attracting attention from several clubs:

Barcelona have shown early interest as they look to add depth to their midfield.
Clubs from Saudi Arabia are also reportedly preparing lucrative offers to lure him to the Middle East.
With his experience and availability on a free transfer, the Ghana international is expected to make a quick decision on his next move this summer.

 
Arsenal's Midfield Transition

Partey’s departure is part of a larger midfield reshuffle at the Emirates:

Arsenal have secured the signing of Christian Nørgaard from Brentford for a fee of around $14 million.
The club is also pursuing Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad as they seek to refresh their midfield for the 2025–26 season.
This transition reflects Arteta’s intent to reshape his midfield around younger, more dynamic profiles as the club builds for another title challenge and Champions League campaign.

 
Legacy at Arsenal

Thomas Partey leaves Arsenal with 167 appearances and five seasons of service, including a pivotal role in the club’s resurgence under Arteta. He was instrumental in stabilizing Arsenal’s midfield during their transition into a top-four Premier League force.

While injuries hampered stretches of his time in North London, Partey's professionalism, work rate, and leadership were rarely in question.

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