Arsenal are reportedly looking to offload midfielder Thomas Partey. The 31-year-old is not in Mikel Arteta’s plans anymore and will be put on the transfer list. There is said to be interest in the Ghana international from Saudi Arabia, with Partey happy to play in the Saudi Pro League.
Partey came up through the youth ranks of Atletico Madrid, enjoying two successive loan spells at Real Mallorca and Almeria before breaking into Atletico’s first team. Initially used as a squad player, Partey gradually transitioned into an integral member of the first team.
On 5 October 2020, Arsenal announced his arrival at the Emirates, having triggered his £45 million release clause with Atletico Madrid. Partey started his career at North London well, being recognized by Arteta as one of his key players.
While the 31-year-old has always been consistent with his performances, injuries have marred his career with the Gunners. He made 41 starts in the Premier League during his first two seasons at the club, a low number for an integral member of the squad. While he enjoyed a good run of games in the 2022-23 season, a hamstring injury sustained in November 2023 kept him on the sidelines for a significant duration. As a result, the Ghanaian has made just nine starts in the Premier League this season.
His injury record, coupled with his age and Declan Rice’s arrival, makes Partey’s future at the Emirates bleak. The Gunners will be hoping for a bid around £30 million from the Saudi Pro League to part ways with the midfielder. Getting his £200,000-a-week wage off the books will also be beneficial to the club.
With Declan Rice having solidified himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the league, Arteta will be looking to target a young player who can act as a deputy to the Englishman. While Partey has been a great servant for the club, this summer seems the right time to part with the Ghanaian.
