Thomas Partey’s Premier League adventure may be nearing its end. The Ghanaian midfielder, once a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal machine, finds himself on the transfer list for a mere €15 million, a stark contrast to the £45 million the Gunners shelled out in 2020.
While rumours of Thomas Partey and Arsenal parting ways have swirled for months, the catalyst for his potential departure lies across the English Channel.
Real Sociedad are reportedly eyeing Partey as a potential replacement for the departing Martin Zubimendi, who is heavily rumoured to be Arsenal-bound at some point in 2024.
According to a report from Spain, not only is Partey up for sale, but Arsenal have already made Zubimendi a ‘good offer’, which would explain the increased transfer chatter around the club and the player over the past week.
Elsewhere in Spain, Diego Simeone, Partey’s former boss at Atlético Madrid, has finally secured his long-sought pivot in the form of 18-year-old Arthur Vermeeren.
For Arsenal, this development closes the door on a potential Partey return to his former club, and ends links with another player the Gunners had been rumoured to be interested in. Though Simeone lamented the loss of his “pillar” after the Gunners triggered Partey’s release clause in 2020, Atleti have found their future in the Belgian youngster.
Partey’s Arsenal story, however, hasn’t entirely fizzled out. The 29-year-old still boasts admirers within La Liga and the prospect of a return to Spain, where he was able to remain fit, might hold considerable appeal.
Despite his undeniable talent, Partey’s inconsistent form and injury woes at Arsenal have dampened his price tag and forced the club to cut their losses. His contract expiring in 2025 further adds pressure to make a sale this summer.
Glimpses of his world-class ability were undeniable, but they remained frustratingly fleeting. With Partey’s future likely lying elsewhere, the Gunners must seek a new midfield general to build their title charge around.
Not everybody will be sad about that.