The storm brewing around Thomas Partey’s Arsenal exit is being painted with one brush by the English media—they’re blaming him for not signing the contract. But Partey has broken his silence, shaking the narrative. He insists he’s not the villain here. According to him, a private conversation with Mikel Arteta was the real turning point. The media isn’t touching that part, but Partey says what the manager told him was so unexpected and jarring, it left him no choice but to walk away.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Partey will be leaving the club at the end of his current contract this summer. Although earlier talks of renewal gave fans hope, things have now collapsed. Negotiations hit a dead end just days ago, making his Emirates exit official. The Ghanaian’s exit feels abrupt on the surface, but to those watching closely, this had been brewing behind the scenes.
From Arsenal’s point of view, it’s a bittersweet goodbye. Partey brought structure, stability, and experience—but the club seems ready to move on. With Martin Zubimendi reportedly incoming and other midfield reinforcements in the pipeline, the void Partey leaves may be filled sooner than expected. It’s a tactical reshuffle, not just an emotional farewell.
Back in 2020, Arsenal shelled out £45 million to snatch Partey from Atlético Madrid. He made 33 appearances in his first season—solid but not spectacular. He was finding his footing, adapting to Premier League pace and intensity. Over time, however, he began to show his quality, becoming a lynchpin in Arteta’s midfield machinery.
Yet injury woes plagued his Arsenal story. He found his best rhythm in the 2022/23 season, finally staying fit and playing a key role in Arsenal’s title chase. Three goals, consistent starts, and the aura of reliability—that was Partey in peak form. He was no longer just a signing—he was a pillar.
But the highs didn’t last. The next campaign saw him fall prey to a hamstring injury that severely limited his time on the pitch. Sixteen appearances all season—far from the impact expected from a top-tier midfielder. It was a frustrating chapter, both for him and the fans.
Ironically, his final season turned out to be his most productive. He stepped up with four goals and three assists across 52 games, becoming instrumental once again as Arsenal pushed for silverware. They didn’t quite clinch the league title but made it to the Champions League semis—a notable achievement, with Partey right in the mix.
Now, with his departure confirmed, the club must face the reality of letting go of a player who gave a lot but was held back by inconsistency and injury. They won’t get a transfer fee, which stings, but given his declining fitness and rising competition, it’s a logical move. Arsenal seems prepared, not panicked, as they eye both Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard as the next anchors of the midfield.
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