Introduction: Arsenal Thomas Partey Role Under Review
The Thomas Partey Arsenal narrative appears to be writing its last chapter. The Ghanaian was once part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield staff that was deemed essential. Yet, two successive seasons of relentless injury issues have been his experience. Currently 31 and having just one year remaining on his present contract, Arsenal finds itself getting ready for life without him. The club’s big guns, Arteta and Edu, are aware that they can no longer bank on Partey’s availability. While his contribution when available has been glaring, the Gunners require continuity within a midfield that desires to challenge on all fronts—Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. Substituting Partey will be no cakewalk. He has leadership, command, and top-class experience. Yet, Arsenal have developed, and so have aspirations. That requires fresh legs, added durability, and increased tactical versatility. Arteta realizes the change has to be seamless, and it needs to occur now—not once more after a stop-start season.
Arteta’s Tactical Bias Might Guide Signing
Having Declan Rice as the midfielder of Arsenal, the replacement for Partey does not have to be an enforcer-for-like. Arteta will probably desire someone who can play box-to-box or switch positions with Rice in games. The key is adaptability in his system. This implies the new midfielder will have to be more than a defensive player. He should be able to take the ball forward, win lines, and assist build-up. This change in tactics will heavily affect who Arsenal will sign. This implies the new midfielder will have to be more than a defensive player. He should be able to take the ball forward, win lines, and assist build-up. This change in tactics will heavily affect who Arsenal will sign.
Top Candidates to Replace Arsenal Thomas Partey in Midfield
Arsenal’s scouting department is not short on choice. A number of midfielders have impressed and all align with Arteta’s vision for a high-intensity, ball-controlling team. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is still one of the leading names. Composed on the ball, intelligent in his positioning, and technically adept, he would provide immediate shape. Amadou Onana at Everton is another likely candidate. He provides power, speed, and the capacity to win duels—abilities Arsenal’s midfield is lacking. Another on the shortlist is Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz. He has a combination of defensive sense and attacking creativity similar to Partey’s best abilities but without the injury concerns. Arteta likes players who can play multiple positions, come in-game, and service both sides of play. The perfect Partey replacement needs to tackle, pass, press, and change quickly—particularly in a league where the pace dictates all. These prospects possess those skills, and Arsenal could be about to act.
Why Arsenal Are Planning Without Partey
Let’s be honest—Partey has missed too many big matches. And although he’s still a high-level player when fit, that fitness can no longer be taken for granted. Arsenal cannot afford another season blighted by fitness concerns, particularly when they have a chance to close the gap on Manchester City. His wages also account for a big chunk of the wage bill, and with the FFP regulations becoming stricter, the Gunners cannot afford to splash out. Saudi Arabian and Turkish clubs are sniffing around, and a reasonable fee can still be received this summer. For Arteta, substituting Partey is not merely about a technical switch—it’s part of an overall development. Declan Rice has already asserted dominance in midfield. He requires a dynamic counterpart to work with, one who is younger and more consistent, to complement him all season long without extensive breaks. Let the agony of goodbyes to Partey subside—because for now, it may be starting to seem like the best move for all concerned.
🚨🇬🇭 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. pic.twitter.com/861SCnsW4C
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2025
Author’s Opinion: A Tough But Necessary Call
Letting go of Thomas Partey will not be easy. The Arsenal Thomas Partey era had moments of brilliance. He was a game-changer on his day, and fans will remember key performances with respect. But top clubs cannot keep players out of sentiment. The game is quick, and so has to be the team. Arteta understands that loyalty should not be at the expense of advancement. If Arsenal is to seriously challenge, hard choices have to be taken. Partey’s spell at the club is understandably coming to an end. This is the ideal time to thank him, look forward, and bring someone who can perform consistently. The Gunners are crafting something special—and they require players who can match up every single week.
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