Arsenal
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Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of June, after contract renewal talks collapsed. Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Ghanaian international’s departure on social media, signalling the end of his five-year tenure at the Emirates Stadium.
In a post on X, Romano stated: “Thomas Partey, set to leave Arsenal as free agent at the end of the month – story from last week confirmed. #AFC have already activated options to replace Thomas with Nørgaard talks ongoing with Brentford.” His comments reaffirm reports from June 19 that contract negotiations had hit a “complete standstill,” leaving “concrete chances” of Partey’s exit.
Partey, 31, joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million and has since made 167 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. He played a career-best 52 games during the 2024/25 season, contributing four goals and three assists, including standout displays in the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid.
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Despite his resurgence, and Mikel Arteta’s openness to keeping the midfielder, talks over a new contract believed to be a one-year extension with an option for another broke down. Key issues reportedly included Partey’s £200,000-per-week wages and his request for a pay rise, which Arsenal were unwilling to meet.
Arsenal - Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey (Image credit: Getty Images)
In April, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Arsenal were initially hopeful of extending Partey’s deal, encouraged by his return to form and his family’s contentment in London. However, the club’s subsequent £51.2 million signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, along with a €11 million offer for Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard, signals a changing midfield landscape. Partey, once a central figure, now faces the prospect of being pushed to a secondary role.
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His impending exit also follows the departure of Jorginho, who joined Flamengo earlier this summer, leaving Arsenal’s midfield ranks thinner ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Although Partey has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, and Barcelona, no formal offers have been submitted.
In a recent interview, Partey hinted that family would influence his next move: “The first thing is where are you happy and where do you feel at home… We all have a family that needs money.”
Arsenal, under sporting director Andrea Berta, continue to push forward in the transfer market. Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined from Chelsea in a £5 million deal, and talks are ongoing for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, whose recent Instagram activity has further excited fans anticipating new arrivals.
With Partey’s departure now all but confirmed, Arsenal’s midfield rebuild is in full swing as the club looks to strengthen its squad for a renewed title challenge next season.
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